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1999 Arizona

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* Best Progranisysaieime Records

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Pack 4 Enterprises, LLC Salutes

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Phoenix Union (jr)
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McNary (6-man)
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1999
WILDCAT FOOTBALL
SCHEDULE
Coach Dick Tomey
Aug, 28 at Penn State
Sept. 4 at Texas Christian
Sept. 11 Middle Tennessee St.
Sept. 18 Stanford
Sept. 25 at Washington State
Oct. 9 Southern California
Oct. 16 Texas-El Paso
Oct, 23 Oregon
Oct. 30 at UCLA
Nov. 6 Washington
Nov. 13 at Oregon State
Nov. 27 at Arizona State

1999
SUN DEVIL FOOTBALL
SCHEDULE
Coach Bruce Snyder
Sept. 6 Texas Tech
Sept. 18 New Mexico State
Sept, 25 at California
Sept. 26 Oregon State
Oct. 2 UCLA
Oct. 9 at Notre Dame
Oct, 16 at Washington
Oct, 23 Washington State
Oct. 30 at Oregon
Nov. 6 at USC
Nov, 13 Stanford
Nov. 27 Arizona

1999
LUMBERJACK FOOTBALL
SCHEDULE
Coach Jerome Souers

Sept. 11 Cal Poly
Sept. 18 at New Mexico
Sept. 25 at Southwest Texas
Oct, 2 Eastern Washington
Oct. 9 at Idaho State
Oct. 16 Montana
Oct. 23 at Cal State Sacramento
Oct. 30 Montana State
Nov. 6 at Weber State
Nov. 13 Portland State
Nov. 20 at Cal State Northridge

Barry Solleubergers 1999 Arizona

FOOTBALL

COMPLETE GRAND CANY OTBALL PREV

PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Barry C. Sollenberger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
David Kukulski
Joseph Barry Sollenberger
Lonnie Collins
Jeff Krider
Bart Conley

ALSO CONTRIBUTING
Dan Kukulski
Carol Downey

Ron Cosner
Gerald Kirkpatrick
Pam Kukulski
Al Kukulski
George Allen
Pat Hillaker
Sammy Wright
Sompon Phonhlarath
James Nichols

Stop By The
Firehouse

Serving The Finest
In Charcoal Broiled Steaks,
Seafood and Sandwiches
for 30 Years!

“Stop By After The Game!”

1639 East Apache Blvd.
Tempe
-85281-
(480) 966-4531

page 2

The
‘49 Chandler
Wolf Pack
Was
Perfect
(see pg. 84)

Bob Tarwater (35) in the backfield, ran roughshod through Arizona’s small school ranks (See
Yesterday’s Heroes).

page 3

arizona football ‘99
Table of Contents

Indextonleamsrsceccnsesecretaetsenematee tees. 6
[eettersstonthievEditOmen snc cantecrsseeeesssteemats 9
Arizona Players of the Year... 10
FromithesPublishercr ccsccccccercstssietne Creseans 11
‘99 Friday Night Heroes..............:::cccceees 13
‘99 State Checklist of Players ..........000.0 14
5A High School Preview .........:c:cccceeecees 18
4A High School Preview ..........0ccceeeeeees 32
3A High School Preview .........:::cecees 42
2A High School Preview ...........::ccececees 46
8-Man High School Preview ...........::000 50
Speed City: Football & Track & Field....... 52
All-Time State Football Records ............... 58
‘98 Super All-State Team ..........00ccceeeeee 62
‘98 Arizona All-State Teams ............0..:05 64
Arizona College Preview...........::cccceeeee 66
Junior College Report .............:0cceeeeeeeeeees 71
Sports Quizeres accesses cteeremerease ot eenest 88
YESTERDAY’S HEROES
The ‘89 McClintock Chargers..............665 74
The ‘89 Tempe Buffaloes ..............::::ee 76
The ‘79 Amphitheater Panthers............... 78
The ‘79 Eloy Dust Devils ................:0.008 80
The ‘69 Central Bobcats ...............eeeeees 82
The ‘69 Eloy Dust Devils ..................e eee 80
The ‘49 Chandler Wolves ..........0::::::e0e 84

ARIZONA FOOTBALL MAGAZINE is published annually by Saguaro Sports Publications, 4115 E. Catalina Dr.,
Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Phone (602) 955-3303, or (480) 967-7256. Sold at newsstands and sporting goods
stores throughout Arizona. Available through the mail for $10.00 per copy. Back issues available upon request.
Cover photos courtesy Arizona State University and Michelle Conway/The Tribune. All rights reserved.

page 4

Ron Estabrook
Chaparral

KLEVEN
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

“We Salute Arizona’s Winningest
Active High School Football Coaches.”

Paul Moro
Blue Ridge

Winning Pct./Coach/School/Record

916 ..
852:
821...
B16:.,
.806 ..
805 ..
.800 ..
.777 ..
Red dies
769 ..
.768 ..
765 ..
.. Larry Fetkenhier, Glendale Cactus (136-43-3)
.. Ken Guzik, Safford (113-38-0)

.. Charlie Bell, Northwest Christian (43-15-0)

.. Vern Friedli, Tucson Amphitheater (259-93-2)
.. Jesse Parker, Gilbert (244-91-4)

.. Karl Kiefer, Mountain Pointe (268-104-3)

.. Kelly Moore, Morenci (7-3-0)

.. Doug Shaffer, Horizon (115-52-2)

.. Vince Cahill, Mayer (84-38- 1)

.. Mike Epperson, Mingus Union (46-21-0)

Jim Hughes, Thatcher (22-2-0)

Paul Moro, Lakeside Blue Ridge (144-25-0)
Mike Morgan, St. Johns (92-20-1)

Keith Brown, Phoenix Christian (62-14-0)

Ron Estabrook, Scottsdale Chaparral (83-20-

Rim Rattay, Phoenix Desert Vista (177-43-4)
Bryan Munoz, Superior (27-7-0)

Jeff Scurran, Tucson Sabino (178-51-2)
Rick Shipley, Williams (74-22-1)

Pat Farrell, Phoenix St. Mary’s (197-59-2)
Doug Clapp, Peoria (119-36-6)

Bill McKane, Mesa (52-16-0)

Bil McKane

Mesa

Jim Ewan
Mountain Ridge

Vern Friedli
Tucson Amphi

Winning Pct./Coach/School/Record

.679 ..
672 ..
.666 ..
.666 ..

0) .666 ..
.654 ..
.645..

.. Greg Parrish, Glendale Apollo (102-57-4)

.. Bill Mitton, Trevor Browne (194-108-2)

.. Bob Young, Mesa Westwood (28-16-1)

.. Tom Joseph, Marcos de Niza (47-27-0)

.. Jim Ewan, Mountain Ridge (32-19-0)

.. Gerry LaBelle, Cactus Shadows (87-52-2)

.. Tim Sanford, Phoenix Brophy (101-62-2)

.. Bob Lambie, Paradise Valley (78-49-2)

.. Bernie Busken, Mountain View (120-76-0)

.. Bill Gahn, Sunrise Mountain (116-74-6)

.. Chuck Esquivel, Ironwood (20-13-1)

.. Mike Patterson, Willcox (26-17-0)

.. Pat Lavin, Phoenix Bourgade (125-82-3)

.. Craig Holland, Flagstaff (73-48-0)

.. Cleveland Dansby, South (66-44-0)

Bill Morgan, Show Low (36- 17-0)

Neil Westover, Snowflake (45-22-0)

Tom Bruney, Phoenix Maryvale (38-19-0)
Mickey Bell, Agua Fria (16-8-0)

Nemer Hassey, Tucson Sahuaro (8-4-0)
Steve Chisman, Phx. Washington (85-45-4)
Jay Denton, Eloy Santa Cruz (98-54-1)

KLEVEN COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

BUILDING THE “INFORMATION HIGHWAY.”
3615 S. 28th Street, Phoenix, 85040

PHONE (602) 268-6995
A DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL FIBER-COM. INC.
“We design, install and maintain fiber-optic cable networks for
cable television and telephone companies.”

“Good luck coaches in 1999!”

Agua Fria High School
Alhambra High School
Amphitheater High School
Apache Junction High School
Apollo High School
Arcadia High School
Arizona Lutheran Academy
Arizona Western College
Arizona Wildcats.........
Arizona State Sun Devils
Benson High School ....
Bisbee High School
Blue Ridge High School .
Bourgade Catholic High School..
Bradshaw Mountain High School .
Brophy Prep ..
Buckeye High School
Buena High School
cactus High School
tus Shadows High Sc!
Camelback High School .
Camp Verde High School
Canyon del Oro High School
a Grande High School ....
atalina High School
Catalina Foothills High School
Centennial High School ..
Central High School School
Chandler High School .
Chaparral High School

Chino Valley High School .
Cholla High School ......
Cibola High School ..
Clifton High School .
Coconino High School
Coolidge High School .
Corona del Sol High School .
Coronado High School
Cortez High School
Deer Valley High School
Desert Mountain High School .
Desert View High School ....
Desert Vista High School
Dobson High School
Douglas High School ..
Duncan High School
Dysart High School ..
Zastern Arizona College
Flagstaff High School
Florence High School .
Flowing Wells High School .
Fort Thomas High School ...

Joseph City High School

‘99 Index of Teams

Fountain Hills High School
Fredonia High School .
Ganado High School ..
Gilbert High School ....
Glendale High School .
Glendale Community College
Goldwater High School .
Greenway High School .
Hamilton High School .
Hayden High School
Highland High School
Holbrook High School
Horizon High School ..
Independence High School .
Ironwood High School ..

Raa

Kingman High School ....
Lake Havasu High School
rana High School ...
arcos de Niza High School
Maryvale High School .
Mayer High School ..
McClintock High School
Mesa High School .
Mesa Community College
Miami High School ..
Millennium High School....
Mingus Union High School .
Mogollon High School
Mohave High School .
Moon Valley High School .
Morenci High School .
Mountain Pointe High School
Mountain Ridge High School .
Mountain View High School (Marana) .
Mountain View High School (Mesa)
Nogales High School ....
North Canyon High School
Northern Arizona University
Northwest Community Chr
Orme School ..
Page High School
Palo Verde High School
Palo Verde Christian High School
Paradise Valley High School
Parker High School ....
Patagonia High School
Payson High School
Peoria High School .
Phoenix Christian High School
Phoenix College
Pima High School

C.A.F.O.A.

Prescott High School
Pueblo High School
Queen Creek High School
Ray High School....
Red Mountain High School
Rincon High School
River Valley High School ....
Round Valley High School .
Sabino High School ...
Safford High School ...
Saguaro High School ....
Sahuarita High School ..
Sahuaro High School ....
St. David High School ..
St. Johns High School ...
St. Mary's High Schoc
St. Michaels High School
Salpointe High School ..
San Pasqual High School
Santa Cruz High School ...
Santa Rita High School
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Christian Academy... 47
Sedona Red Rock High School
Seligman High School.......
Seton Catholic High School.
Shadow Mountain High School.
Show Low High School
Sinagua High School
Skyline High School.
Snowflake High Schoo!
South Mountain High School
Sunnyside High School .

Sunnyslope High School .......
Sunrise Mountain High Schoo!
Superior High School

Tempe High School ...
Thatcher High School ...
Thunderbird High School
Tolleson High School ...
Tombstone High School
Trevor Browne High School .
Tucson High School ..
Valley Christian High School .
Valley Union High School ...
Washington High School .
Westview High School ..
Westwood High School ...
Wickenburg High School

Willcox High School .
Williams High School
Winslow High School

Central Arizona Football Officials Association

supports Pop Warner, High School & College Football
If you are interested in officiating high school football,
contact Tom Frazier at (480) 985-2720.

Corey Hill
Tucson Sabino

1998
1997
1996
1995,
1994...
LOOB sass
1992
LOO ays
1990
1989

International Fiber-Com, Inc.
Salutes

Tyrone Byrd Award Winners

Anthony Parker
McClintock

Tyrone Byrd

Chandler

Mike Brown
Saguaro

Bobby Wade
Desert Vista

HONORING THE STATE'S BEST DEFENSIVE BACK:

Bobby Wade, Tempe Desert Vista
Brandon Falkner, Peoria

Rashad Bauman, South Mountain

Mike Brown, Scottsdale Saguaro

Eric Johnson, Phoenix Alhambra

Corey Hill, Tucson Sabino

Mitchell Freedman, Phoenix Maryvale
James Richardson, Bradshaw Mountain (jr)
Eddie Cade, Eloy Santa Cruz

Billy Burris, Florence

Mike Salmon, Phoenix Greenway
Tyrone Byrd, Chandler

Nathan LaDuke, Phoenix Alhambra
Cleveland Colter, Jr., Tempe McClintock
John Giaspie, Phoenix Central

Anthony Parker, Tempe McClintock
Chuck Nixon, Phoenix Shadow Mountain
Shawn Benson, Mesa Mountain View
George Duarte, Tucson Sunnyside (jr)
Mossy Cade, Eloy Santa Cruz

Jeff Colter, Tucson Amphitheater
Charles Cobbs, Florence

Felix Kelson, South Mountain

David Given, Tempe McClintock
Harold Smith, Florence

Rob Wilson, Scottsdale Coronado

Carl Russell, McNary

1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959.
1958.
1957.
1950.
1955.
1954.
1953.
1952.
1951

Joe

.. Bill

Danny Smith, Safford (jr)

Derral Davis, Tucson

Dick Harris, Mesa Westwood (jr)
Petroshus, Tucson

Rudy Quihuis, Tucson Pueblo

Bill Dipley, Scottsdale Arcadia
Dipley, Scottsdale Arcadia (jr)
LeRoy Peoples, Marana

Earliest Nelson, South Mountain
ames Dugan, Flagstaff (jr)

Elby Bushong, Phoenix Washington
Luther Harper, Phoenix Union
Jim Sims, Tucson (jr)

. Dornel Nelson, South Mountain

Steve Vaughn, Phoenix North

. Warren Livingston, Mesa

. Warren Livingston, Mesa (jr)

. Eddie Mitchell, Phoenix North

. Charles Christopher, Phoenix Carver
. Joel Favara, Tucson

Hadley Hicks, Bisbee

TYRONE BYRD, a three-sport star at Chandler
High School between 1985-87, was a star defen-
sive back at Nebraska and a projected high NFL
draft pick whose career was halted by an auto-
mobile accident in 1993.

“We Salute These Great Young Athletes.”

INTERNATIONAL FIBER-COM, INC.
3410 E. University Drive, #180, Phoenix -85034- (602) 941-1900 FAX (602) 276-0567

TEMPE UNION
HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT

"Success on the Athletic Field
and in the Classroom
since 1924!"

McClintock
Chargers

Tempe Union Marcos de Niza
Buffaloes Padres

Nine State Football Ae Only 15 Different
Championships! a Head Coaches
In Past 28 Years!

173 First-Team 1
All-State Players! IN] Teams Compete
In Tough 5A & 4A
17 Prep Central & East Valley

: Desert Vista .
All-Americans! Thunder Regions!

17 NFL Pro Players Outstanding Facilities
Since 1970! For Every Sport!

917 Friday Night Two State Football
Victories since 1924! Championships in 1989!

Dr. James D. Buchanan, Superintendent
Don Wilkinson, Director of Athletics

District Offices, 500 West Guadalupe, Tempe, AZ, 85283, (480)839-0292

letters ...

ONE LAST CHEER

The story on Jerome High School (“One
Last Cheer for the Muckers”) which
appeared in your 1998 edition was excel-
lent. If I can ever be of help on anything,
just drop us a line. I've followed northern
Arizona football for years,

On September 3, Mesa Mountain View
will open at Kingman. It should be a good
clash between two 5A final four teams.
Your publications are always the greatest

Charles Cook
Kingman, Arizona

"It was great for both my
mom and I to read about my
father, the last football
coach the school had. Mom
got to relive some very fond
memories of dad doing what
he loved to do best. Coach
high school football.”

Enclosed find a check for two copies of
your 1998 Arizona Football magazine, with
the story about football in Jerome, “One
Last Cheer for the Muckers.” I watched
many a game on “The Hill” before our
family - because of the bad economy -
forced to move. My father was trans-
ferred to the mine in Ajo before I attended
high school. But the best years were in
Jerome. Go Muckers!

Landon Labrum
Tucson

Just a note to say what a great job your
magazine did on football in Jerome. It was
great for both my mom and I to read
about my father, Don Snyder, the last foot-
ball coach the school had before the mine
closed. My mom in particular got to relive
some very fond memories of dad doing
what he loved to do best. Coach high
school football.

Jack Snyder
Sun City

I am really impressed with the outstand-
ing job you do for football in the state of
Arizona. Your latest copy with the feature
on Jerome High School covered the subject
very well. I appreciate very much your
including me in the story. It will make a
big hit with my family and friends. The
local media, print, radio and television do
not come close to what you do.

Waldo Dicus was my coach in 1937, and
he was responsible for not only my being
selected to the all-state team, but also help-
ing me earn a scholarship to the University
of Arizona. He was an outstanding coach.
Robert S. Svob
Tucson

I have been reading your publications
for years, dating back to my high school
days in Scottsdale in the late 1970s.
However, you outdid yourself with the
story about the history of football at
Jerome. I never even knew that Jerome
had a high school, much less one with
good football teams. The strength of your
magazine each year is the stories of the
past. It’s like getting a football preview
and an history lesson rolled into one.

Mark Goodrich

Flagstaff

My father, Max Jurnovich, played foot-
ball at Jerome High School during the
Great Depression, and used to talk about
the “Muckers” when we were growing up
in Dawson (N.M.), Dawson was a Phelps
Dodge town, just like Jerome.

And just like Jerome, Dawson is closed.
In fact, the whole town is gone. The com-
pany tore it down sometime after World
War II, about the same time they closed
the mines in Jerome. I was surprised when
a relative in Phoenix mailed us your 1998
football magazine, with the story about
Jerome, It is too bad my father is not
around to read it.

Marion Jurnovich
Raton, N.M.

ROUGH, TOUGH RIVALRY

It was great to see a recent story about
the glory days in Bisbee and Douglas (“A
Rough, Tough Rivalry No More”), before
the mines closed. Newcomers to Arizona
have no idea how good high school foot-
ball was in our state’s mining towns,
before the copper industry went to “you
know where.”

My father was in the military, stationed
near Bisbee, and we grew up watching the
Pumas play. Just like your story said, play-
ers like Bill Penn, Hadley Hicks or Ted
Sorich would have been star players on
big city teams.

Randy Livingston
Los Angeles

Just a note to express my appreciation
for your annual football magazine. I always
enjoy reading this publication, especially
the issue on the Douglas-Bisbee rivalry.

Dr. Marcelino Varona, Jr.
Principal

Nogales High School
Nogales, Arizona

BIG RED MACHINE

It was refreshing to read a story written
by people in Phoenix, admitting that good
high school football is actually played
somewhere else.

I agree that the best high school football
teams ever in Arizona came out of Tucson
High, probably the great state champi-
onship teams coached by Ollie Mayfield.
Even though our state is small, we have
had more than our share of great teams.
But very few championship teams had the
talent and speed of the “Big Red Machine.”

Keep up the good work.

Rudy Pollock
Tucson

I really enjoyed the recent issue of
Arizona Football Magazine because of the
article on Tucson High. Enclosed find a
check for another copy, as I promised to
get one for L.D. Scott, as his picture is in
the inside cover blocking for John Black
against Albuquerque High.

Fred Enke, Jr.
Casa Grande

HALL OF FAME GREATS
You guys have done a commendable
job of recognizing high school athletes.
Hopefully, something can be done to
reestablish the Arizona Sports Hall of
Fame, to recognize some of the former
greats.
Frank Kush
Arizona Boys Ranch

The only thing wrong with high school
football in Arizona today is there is no hall
of fame to recognize them, or the stars of
the past, as is the case in most states.
Perhaps with the help of a magazine like
yours, this can become a reality some day.
Your football edition is great, one of the
best I've seen in the country.

Keep the magazine coming.

Kevin Elsworth
Flagstaff

Just received your 1998 preseason foot-
ball magazine. Great job. Many quality
football players have come from the
Arizona high school programs. I know, I
used to live in Arizona. It says a lot for the
systems and the coaching.

Michael Harris
Oldsmar, Florida

1998
1997

1996

1993:;;

1992

1991

1989.

1987.

..Phoenix St.

-BOBBY WADE
.Desert Vista (RB/DB)

NATHAN WIZE

-Tucson Sabino (RB)

JUSTIN TAPLIN

-Tempe (WR/KR)

MIKE BROWN
aguaro (RB/DB)

.TAVON COOPER
Peoria (RB/RS)

EVIN SCHMIDTKE
na Mtn. View (RB)

-MIKE MITCHELL
.Brophy Prep (RB)

HRIS HOPKINS

.Tucson Salpointe (RB)

MARIO BATES

.Tucson Amphi (RB)
-BRIAN DREW
.Tempe McClintock (RB)

RIC DRA

.Tucson Santa Rita (WR)

EVIN GALBREATH

.Phoenix Maryvale (RB)
-BOBBY VALDEZ
.Tucson Sunnyside (QB)

EVELAND COLTER

.Tempe McClintock (RB)

SVE BELLES

ANTHONY PARKER

empe McClintock (RB)

-RODNEY PE

ucson Sahuaro (QB)
STAN GILL

lagstaff (RB)

RED SIMS

-Tucson Sunnyside (RB)

AMOSSY CADE

.Eloy Santa Cruz (DB)
.MIKE CADE

loy Santa Cruz (RB)

TIE) ALVIN MOORE
.Coolidge (TB)

-RIKI GRAY

.Tucson Amphi (LB)

Desert Vista halfback Bobby Wade with
the Vic Housholder Trophy
(Todd Lillard photo)

TEMPE DECORATOR CENTER Salutes
ARIZONA’S HIGH SCHOOL

PLAYERS OF THE

1959.

GREG BRADY

..Coronado (QB)

.. BRIAN FELIX

..Phoenix Union (RB)
..DAVID MITCHELL (jr)
..Phoenix St. Mary's (RB)
. JIMMY MOORE
..Marcos de Niza(TE/DE)
..ROB WILSON

Coronado (QB/DB)
SSE PARKER
Tucson Rincon (RB)

ED MORTENSEN

«Tempe (QB)
-BILL CROWE

Tempe McClintock (LB)
BENNY MALONE

Eloy Santa Cruz (RB)
JOE PETROSHUS

Tucson (HB)
TIM SMITH

..Phoenix St. Mary's (RB)
(TIE) BOB SOZA
..Mesa Westwood (TB)
..BILL DAWSON

Tucson (OT/DT)

ART MALONE

Eloy Santa Cruz (TB)
ROY PEOPLES

Marana (HB)

. JAMES DUGAN

Flagstaff C(HB/DB)
RETT ROLLINS
Scottsdale Arcadia (HB)
ANDY LIVINGSTON
Mesa (TB)
2D LAWRENCE
South Mountain (G)
30B OLSON
South Mountain (FB)
WIS ALBRIGHT
cottsdale (HB)
EDDIE WILSON
Chandler (QB)
WARREN LIVING
Mesa (TB)

Sponsored by Sunvalco

Arizona Football Magazine's checklist of outstanding varsity
players for the upcoming 1999 high school football season.

QB ...John Rattay, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-4, 200

QB ...Reggie Robertson, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-2, 180

HB ...Nic Lovett, Tempe Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 185

HB ...Anthony Fulcher, Scottsdale Horizon, 5-11, 190
HB ...Josh Griffin, Scottsdale Chaparral, 5-10, 185

HB ...Geoff Ducksworth, Paradise Valley, 5-10, 165

HB ...Jeremiah Miller, Flagstaff Sinagua, 6-0, 185

FB. ....Danny Padilla, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-2, 240
WR...Sammy Moore, Mesa Westwood, 6-0, 175
WR...Calvin Dacus, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-1, 175
TE....Elton Johnson, Tempe Desert Vista, 5-11, 190
OC ...Jason Davis, Mesa Mountain View, 6-2, 215
OL....Martin Lopez, Glendale Apollo, 6-6, 300
OL....James Clement, Phoenix Trevor Browne, 6-3, 270
OL....Brian Goggin, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-4, 270
OL....Rocky Huntsinger, Tucson Amphitheater, 6-1, 235
LB....Cole “Doc” Golightly, Mesa, 6-3, 218
LB....Austin Sendlein, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-3, 235
LB....Luke Hauptman, Tempe Marcos de Niza, 6-2, 228
DL....Clifford Starks, Tempe Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 245
DL....Jared Wolfgramm, Tempe Union, 6-5, 215
DL....Josh Kirkwood, Phoenix Maryvale, 6-4, 255
DL....Brian Fitzpatrick, Mesa Red Mountain, 6-1, 230
DL....Jared Fritz, Mesa Mountain View, 6-2, 230
DB....Lee Wheeler, Coolidge, 5-11, 185

te , gts aa fF DB....Markus Thurman, Tempe Desert Vista, 5-9, 180
Thunder quarterback John Rattay passed for 3,094 DB....Quinn Gooch, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 185
yards and 36 touchdowns (Amy Blodgett photo). KR....Marcus Parker, Phoenix Thunderbird, 6-1, 195

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page 13

arizona football ‘99

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

Arizona Checklist of Players

quarterbacks

Bourke Bowen, Benson, 6-2, 175

Travis Brown, Maryvale, 6-0,170 (jr)

Chad Christensen, Desert Mtn., 6-2,175 (jr)
Fred Garcia, Williams, 6-1, 180

Alan Grantham, Red Mountain, 5-10,175
Andy Gray, Deer Valley, 6-1, 185

Monty Hoffman, Shadow Mountain,6-2,185
Trevor Johnson, Hamilton, 6-0,170

Blake Kinart, Tucson Sabino, 6-3, 180

Ken Martinson, Fountain Hills, 6-0, 175
John Mendez, Mesa Westwood, 5-9, 165
Mike Nixon, Sunnyslope, 6-0, 180 (so)
James O'Connor, Coronado, 6-1, 185
Danny Pivirotto, Tucson Rincon, 6-0, 180
John Rattay, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-4,200
Reggie Robertson, Tucson Sahuaro,6-2,180
Joel Romano, Tucson Amphi, 5-8, 170 (jr)
Zack Seward, Tucson Salpointe, 6-0, 185
Zack Sparksman, Phoenix Central, 6-3, 188
Jon Stoner, Glendale Cactus, 6-2, 190
Mark Tefteller, Phoenix Christian, 6-2, 185
Dirk Walker, Cactus Shadows, 5-11, 180

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running backs

“Josh Aguilar, Clifton, 5-9, 165

Matt Allred, Willcox, 5-9, 180

Skip Ast, Mountain Ridge, 5-9, 205
Thomas Beier, Phoenix St. Mary's, 5-10,180
Bruce Branch, Coconino, 6-1, 195 (jr)
Jason Bryce, Pima, 5-9, 160

Tim Bunting, Payson, 5-9, 170

Mike Cadoux, Catalina Foothills, 6-1, 170
Cornell Canidate, Alhambra, 5-9, 170 (jr)
Josh Conner, Prescott, 5-9, 195

Geoff Ducksworth, Paradise Valley,5-10,165
Eddie Gomez, Red Mountain, 5-9, 195
Anthony Fulcher, Horizon, 5-11, 190

Josh Griffin, Scottsdale Chaparral, 5-10,185
Reggie Guerrero, Yuma Cibola, 5-10,225 (jr)
Adam Harness, Sunnyslope, 5-10, 180

Fred Hernandez, Dysart, 5-5, 140

Jacob Kerr, Show Low, 5-10, 180

Jimmy Labita, Peoria Centennial, 5-9, 165
“Brandon Larson, Joseph City, 5-10, 210
Daryl Lightfoot, Maryvale, 5-9, 170 (jr)

Nic Lovett, Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 185
Alexis Martinez, Eloy Santa Cruz, 5-9, 188
Chris Mauzey, Independence, 5-9, 175
Todd McCrae, Buckeye, 5-9, 215

“Danny McEuen, Fort Thomas, 6-2, 185
Jeremiah Miller, Flagstaff Sinagua, 6-0, 185
Mike Montgomery, River Valley, 5-8,150 (so)
Dustin Mote, Kingman, 5-10, 170

Jason Murray, North Canyon, 5-10, 205 (jr)
Cameron Norwood, Washington, 6-2, 205
Toney Okafor, Tucson Amphi, 6-0, 195
Danny Padilla, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-2, 240
Jared Papa, Snowflake, 6-0, 180

Marcus Parker, Thunderbird, 6-1, 195
Charles Parkinson, Blue Ridge, 6-0, 180
Jason Pflanz, Cactus Shadows, 5-7, 165
dosh Raban, St. Johns, 6-0, 190

Preston Reece, Coolidge, 5-11, 185

Pat Rogers, Tucson Palo Verde, 5-7, 170
Ryan Sandoval, Flowing Wells, 6-1, 180
Chaz Scott, Chandler Hamilton, 6-2, 190
Nick Spong, Phoenix St. Mary's, 5-9, 195
Quint Swanberg, Horizon, 5-11, 205

David Torrez, Tempe Union, 6-2, 240
Bryan Varner, Page. 5-8, 155

Brian Wayas, Wickenburg, 5-9, 165

receivers

Vaitaki Aholelei, Mesa, 6-4, 240

Sean Bowman, Phoenix Christian, 6-2, 195
Matt Brecher, Fountain Hills, 6-3, 215
Robbie Byrne, Peoria, 6-5, 223

Antonio Carranza, Desert View, 6-4, 200
Calvin Dacus, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-1, 175
Tom Duer, Chino Valley, 6-1, 165

Josh Durbin, Scottsdale Coronado, 6-1, 175
Ed Grigsby, Glendale Cactus, 5-10, 168
Marcus Hoffman, Shadow Mtn.,6-3, 185
Eric Iverson, Orme School, 6-3, 175

Elton Johnson, Desert Vista, 5-11, 190
Nick Kwiatowski, Flagstaff, 6-2, 212

Lyle Laughlin, Ganado, 6-1, 170

Luis Lujan, Phoenix Central, 6-4, 248 (jr)
Ryan Miller, Cactus Shadows, 6-1, 185
Sammy Moore, Mesa Westwood, 6-0, 175
Jason Norman, Deer Valley, 6-2, 170 (jr)
James Patterson, Mountain View, 6-1, 180
Jason Perry, Apache Junction, 6-3, 195
John Porter, Tucson Salpointe, 6-1, 170
Brad Potter, Mountain Pointe, 6-2, 170
Eddie Rosas, Nogales, 6-0, 175

Ryan Schroyer, Canyon del Oro, 6-1, 200
Ben Smith, Lake Havasu, 6-0, 190
Brandon Smith, Red Mountain, 6-1, 210
dustin Walker, Phoenix Greenway, 6-3, 230
Aaron Walls, Sunrise Mountain, 6-4, 215
Cody Wright, NWCC, 5-10, 155 (so)

centers

Mike Clevengers, Greenway, 5-11, 190
Jason Davis, Mesa Mountain View, 6-2, 215
Matt Gess, Mesa Westwood, 5-10, 220
Ryan Heyer, Glendale Apollo, 6-1, 235
Alex Ibarra, Corona del Sol, 5-11, 196

Paul Jajou, Phoenix Bourgade, 6-2, 230
Bobby Masche, Lake Havasu, 6-2, 260

B.J. Nelson, Safford, 6-2, 235

Michael Rush, Phoenix St. Mary's, 5-10, 240
Ryan VanWave, Paradise Valley, 6-1, 215
Brian Zumbro, Payson, 6-3, 200

Adam Zvirgzdins, Glendale Cactus, 6-3, 271

linemen

deff Adams, Show Low, 6-2, 200

Brian Ahsoon, Gilbert Highland, 5-10, 225
Kevin Amidan, Tucson Sabino, 6-3, 220
“Winston Benally, St. Michaels, 6-1, 230
Pat Benedict, Phoenix St. Mary's, 6-2, 220
Jake Berry, Scottsdale Arcadia, 6-2, 240
Bret Bodinet, Shadow Mountain, 6-3, 250
Joe Bojorquez, Eloy Santa Cruz, 5-10, 185
Cade Bradley, Payson, 5-11, 180

Aaron Boussu, Paradise Valley, 6-0, 215
Brent Bridges, Kingman, 6-3, 230

Keith Buzzard, Flagstaff, 6-0, 207

Steve Carpenter, Flowing Wells, 6-1, 225
James Clement, Trevor Browne, 6-3, 270
Mike Coffey, Mingus Union, 5-10, 220

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

Brett Crandall, Mesa Mtn. View, 6-2,220
Jeff Drumm, Tucson Sabino, 5-10, 205
Solomon Eltsosie, Tuba City, 6-1, 250
Larry Faust, Tempe McClintock, 6-2, 230
Ryan Finn, Mesa Westwood, 6-5, 215 (jr)
Brian Fitzpatrick, Red Mountain, 6-1, 230
Russell Fleming, Westview, 6-0, 225
Melvin Foster, Window Rock, 6-2, 215
Jared Fritz, Mesa Mountain View, 6-2, 230
Jermaine Gadson, Mar. Mt. View, 6-1, 195
Brian Goggin, Desert Vista, 6-4, 270

Ernie Gutierrez, Safford, 6-0, 235

Matt Graves, Moon Valley, 6-0, 235

Daniel Green, Williams, 6-3, 220

Ernie Hawkinson, Tucson, 6-3, 240

Andy Heikkila, Phoenix Cortez, 6-5, 250
Al Hernandez, Flowing Wells, 6-1, 250 (jr)
Rich Hightower, Mountain Pointe, 5-9, 225
Brandon Hopkins, Westwood, 6-5, 240 (jr)
Leonard Hubbard, Lake Havasu, 6-3, 240
Ross Hunt, Heber Mogollon, 6-4, 225
Rocky Huntsinger, Tucson Amphi, 6-1, 235
John Hyatt, Tucson Cholla, 6-2, 220

Matt Jentgen, Catalina Foothills, 6-4, 220
Andrew Johnson, Orme School, 6-4, 235
Mike Johnson, Glendale Ironwood, 6-5,
280

Terry Johnson, Tempe McClintock, 6-4,230
Derek Joyce, Paradise Valley, 6-5, 260
Derek Kennard, Desert Vista, 6-1, 225
Josh Kirkwood, Maryvale, 6-4, 255
Charles Klingensmith, MDN, 6-2, 218

Joe Layton, Superior, 6-7, 268 (jr)

Paul Jajou
Bourgade

Dusty Peace
Flowing Wells

Alex Lazar, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-0, 265
Tyrel Lemons, Duncan, 6-1, 205

Martin Lopez, Glendale Apollo, 6-6, 300
Mark Luna, Casa Grande, 6-2, 265

Mike Marshall, Phoenix Maryvale, 6-4, 245
Cody Miller, Sahuarita, 5-11, 220

Brandon Peterson, Peoria, 6-2, 225

Zane Porter, Lake Havasu, 6-2, 240
Taylor Quintanilla, Desert Mtn., 5-11, 230
Brad Reisner, Scottsdale Chaparral, 5-1,210
Richard Rodriguez, Desert View, 6-3, 290
Jared Rosell, Phoenix Brophy, 5-11, 235
Chuck Rowe, Mountain Ridge, 5-10, 195
Frank Ruzioka, Desert Vista, 6-2, 250
Matt Schwander, Moon Valley, 6-4, 325
Drew Severn, Deer Valley, 6-3, 240 (jr)
Sean Shalola, Trevor Browne, 5-11, 250
Michael Shumway, Winslow, 6-2, 270
Shane Solie, Glendale Ironwood, 6-3, 210

arizona football ‘99

Jake Stark, Tucson Catalina, 6-1, 200
Clifford Starks, Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 245
Adam Suraci, Desert Mountain, 6-3, 200
David Torrez, Tempe Union, 6-2, 240
Frank Ulibarri, Marana, 6-1, 255

Norm Wellington, Independence, 6-3, 235
Greg Wermes, Scottsdale Horizon, 6-0, 255
Greg West, Mesa Dobson, 6-0, 250

Dane Whitmer, Thatcher, 6-4, 245

Trevor Whipple, Blue Ridge, 6-3, 285
Jared Wolfgramm, Tempe Union, 6-5, 215

linebackers

Pat Allen, Phoenix Washington, 5-11, 170
Jimbo Armstrong, Payson, 6-2, 202

Gabe Barreras, Mesa, 6-1, 230

Cameron Bell, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-0, 200
Arnulfo Bonillas, Tucson Palo Verde,6-0,160
Frank Drew, Buckeye, 5-9, 205

Steve Custer, Phoenix Thunderbird, 5-9, 210
Cole “Doc” Golightly, Mesa, 6-3, 218

Chris Goss, Miami, 5-10, 165 (jr)

Josh Granillo, Florence, 5-10, 200

Luke Hauptman, Marcos de Niza, 6-2, 228
Matt Haywood, Mountain Ridge, 6-1, 205
Derek Hobbs, Scottsdale Horizon, 6-0, 210
Aaron Huertas, Tucson Sabino, 6-1, 195
Sam Jacobs, Phoenix Washington, 5-10, 215
Daryl Johnson, Phoenix Alhambra, 5-9, 170
Jason Kelly, Tempe Desert Vista, 5-11, 210
Afton Lambson, St. Johns, 5-10, 195

Steve Larson, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-1, 210

1999 HIGH SCHOOL SEASON

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page 15

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

arizona jootball ‘99

*Cesar Leyva, Mayer, 5-11, 190

Peter Limon, Douglas, 6-2, 225

Brett Lloyd, Glendale Cactus, 6-2, 208
David Mehan, Valley Christian, 5-11, 177
Rick Newman, Phoenix T’bird, 5-11, 220
Dusty Peace, Flowing Wells, 5-11, 220
deff Prince, Gilbert Highland, 5-11, 195
Albert Quesada, Hayden, 6-0, 220

Clay Romero, Thatcher, 5-9, 185

Mike Rosencrans, Kingman, 6-0, 175
Austin Sendlein, Chaparral, 6-3, 235
deff Sharp, Mountain Ridge, 6-2, 208
Drew Sille, Tolleson Westview, 6-0, 190
Jarod Smith, Flagstaff Sinagua, 5-10, 215
Terrell Suggs, Chandler, 6-5, 225

Mike Sullivan, Holbrook, 6-0, 180 (jr)
Joe Verdugo, Camelback, 5-10, 175
Brian Vozza, Blue Ridge, 6-0, 196

Jake Whisenant, Mesa W'wood, 5-10, 185
Andy Wilberscheid, Greenway, 5-11, 180
David Worrell, Deer Valley, 5-10, 200

deep backs

Lamar Baker, Agua Fria, 6-0, 177 (jr)
Jayson Bove, Peoria Centennial, 5-9, 160
Matt Castillo, Holbrook, 6-2, 180

Mike Doran, Gilbert, 6-2, 185

Adam Draper, Phx. Christian, 5-10, 175
Adrian Fernandez, Palo Verde, 6-0, 170
Jeremy Finch, Round Valley, 6-1, 190
Andrew Garcia, Peoria, 6-1, 180

Quinn Gooch, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 185
Joe Gossman, Flagstaff Sinagua, 6-0, 170
Jonathan Granillo, Ray, 6-0, 165

Hunter Hawkins, Corona del Sol, 6-0, 190

G. Ducksworth
Paradise Valley

David Torrez
Tempe

Shorty Hardin, Tucson Rincon, 6-1, 185
David Hare, Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 185
Ray Hodge, South Mountain, 5-11, 170
Antwan Hooks, Tolleson, 5-10, 170 (jr)
Raufeem Jackson, Mesa, 6-3, 175
Jacqob Hutfliss, Hamilton, 6-2, 185
Brian Johnson, Marcos de Niza, 6-0, 185
Joe Jose, San Pasqual, 5-10, 165

Terry Kilpatrick, Benson, 5-10, 175
Chase Kron, Scottsdale Arcadia, 5-8, 155
Ross Luna, Peoria, 5-11, 180 (jr)

Buddy Lynch, Ganado, 5-11, 180

Jason Newman, Glendale Apollo, 6-0, 170
Mike Perez, Parker, 5-10, 155

Danny Perry, Tucson Sabino, 5-10, 180
Matt Porr, Red Mountain, 6-1, 175
Devin Richardson, Chandler, 5-10, 165
Ricardo Sanchez, Superior, 6-1, 195
Derrek Shank, Glendale Apollo, 6-0, 185
Landon Spilsbury, Buena, 6-0, 155
Jason St. Clair, Desert Vista, 5-10, 160
Robert Stokes, Mingus Union, 5-10, 180

Ryan Thornton, Ironwood, 5-11, 170
Markus Thurman, Desert Vista, 5-9, 180
Tommie Tilford, Desert Vista, 5-10, 174
Josh Todd, Marcos de Niza, 6-1, 180
Jovan Vercel, Tucson Sabino, 5-8, 175
Todd Voll, Paradise Valley, 5-11, 175
Sherome Weatherspoon, Cortez,5-11,180
deff Welter, Catalina Foothills, 5-9, 165
Lee Wheeler, Coolidge, 5-11, 185

Kailan Williams, Mar. Mt. View, 6-1, 170
Tony Wingate, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-2, 185

kickers

Phillip Alva, Thatcher, 5-10, 185

Bill Becher, Tempe McClintock, 6-3, 200
Jeremy Bohn, Page, 6-1, 185

Josh Conner, Prescott, 5-9, 195

Paul Ernster, Glendale Ironwood, 6-2, 210
Vince Fiore, Peoria, 6-1, 195 (jr)

Matt Goldstein, Paradise Valley, 5-10, 160
Quinn Gooch, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 185
Kevin Hughes, Trevor Browne, 5-7, 130
Dan Israel, Moon Valley, 6-1, 187

Chris Johnson, Santa Rita, 6-5, 246
Stuart Kimball, Horizon, 6-1, 200

Scott Lane, Chaparral, 5-10, 155

Mark Mangum, Centennial, 5-11, 175
Mike Nixon, Sunnyslope, 6-0, 180 (so)
Jack Ramirez, Apollo, 5-10, 160 (jr)
Nagui Sabbaghi, Saguaro, 5-9, 160 (jr)
Sergi Sausedo, Agua Fria, 5-10, 166

*8-man football

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Page 16

grenttic Sonor, an

‘\

Since 1983 Sip, ,

MEXICAN FOOD
& CANTINAS

Salutes the
Phoenix Metro

Players of the Year

1998..
1997..
1996 ..
1995.
1994..
1993..
1992:
1931...
1990...
1989.
1988..
1987 ...
1986..
1985.
1984..
1983..
1982..
1981 ..
1980...
197.9%,
1978..
LOT Tis,
1976..
1975.
1974..
1973...
1972.
1Odias
1970..
1969).

PARADISE VALLEY
16048 N. Cave Creek Road

Bobby Wade, Desert Vista, RB/DB
Todd Heap, Mountain View, TE/LB
Justin Taplin, Tempe, WR

. Mike Brown, Saguaro, RB/DB
Tavon Cooper, Peoria, RB/KR

Paul Shields, Paradise Valley, RB/DB
Mike Mitchell, Brophy Prep, RB
Sam Salts, St. Mary's, WB/DB/K
Grady Benton, Mesa, QB

. Brian Drew, McClintock, RB/RS
Mike Salmon, Greenway, WB/DB/K
Kevin Galbreath, Maryvale, RB
Nathan LaDuke, Alhambra, @B/DB
. Cleveland Colter, McClintock, RB/DB
Steve Belles, St. Mary's, QB
Anthony Parker, McClintock, RB/DB
Glenn Rogers, Agua Fria, RB

Frank Rudolph, Coronado, DE
Jimmy Williams, Tempe, LB

. Todd Shell, Mountain View, LB

Rory Barnett, Trevor Browne, RB (jr)
Mike Pagel, Washington, QB

Greg Brady, Coronado, QB

. Brian Felix, Phoenix Union, RB/DB
David Mitchell, St. Mary's (jr)

Rob Wilson, Coronado, QB/DB

. Keith Sobraski, Coronado, DT

Fred Mortensen, Tempe, QB

Bob Breunig, Alhambra, FB/LB
Danny White, Westwood, QB

Last year, Anthony Parker was a defensive back for
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Gazette photo).

1968...
1967...
1966..
1965.
1964..
1963...
1962..
1961...
1960 ..
1959.
1958...
1957’.
1956..
1955 .
1954..
1953 ..

1952

1O5 1 x
1950...
1949..

Bill Mannion, St. Mary's, QB

Tim Smith, St. Mary's, FB

Bob Soza, Westwood, TB

. Bill Dunning, Mesa, RB

Richard Griffin, Westwood, T

Earliest Nelson, South Mountain, RB
Everett “Moose” Rollins, Arcadia, RB
Andy Livingston, Mesa, RB

Ted Lawrence, South Mountain, G

. Bob Olson, South Mountain, RB

Lewis Albright, Scottsdale, RB

Eddie Wilson, Chandler, QB

Warren Livingston, Mesa, RB

. George Greathouse, Phoenix Union, RB
George Greathouse, Phoenix Union, RB
Kenny Aycock, North, RB

.. Jack Stovall, St. Mary's, E

Bob Black, Phoenix Union, E

Don Beasley, Mesa, FB

Danny Seivert, St. Mary's, RB

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arizona football ‘99

Barry SOLLENBERGER’S

Westwood’s Sammy Moore, the state’s top rated football prospect, cuts through a hole and breaks into the clear as Gilbert
defenders chases him from behind (Bob Dunn/The Tribune).

Desert Vista & Westwood Top Picks

One more football season and you
can kiss this century goodbve. It’s been
a great ride. Records were made to be
broken, and schools like Mountain View
and Desert Vista didn’t mess around.
Last year MVHS had a shot at the
longest 5A record in Arizona history:
Tucson High's big-school slate of 32
games without defeat. Mountain View
hit it, a 27-7 win over Westwood. They
reached 40 before Brophy Prep ended
the defending champs ‘98 campaign in
the state semifinals, 10-3.

Then there was Desert Vista, the
new school located south of Phoenix -
like on the south side of South
Mountain. On 32nd Street. The nation-
ally ranked Thunder, in its first year
with a senior class, beat Brophy 38-31
in a wild finals at Arizona State to fin-
ish 14-0 on the season - the first 5A
school to go unbeaten in that position
since Westwood turned the trick in
1964.

This year’s Desert Vista class is an
easy preseason pick. The easiest early
No. 1 choice since Phoenix St. Mary’s
in 1995. That club, coached by Pat
Farrell, finished 14-0 and sent three
players to Division I football powers.
The Thunder, with a top-notch quarter-
back, loads of skill players and several
key transfers, just might have the most
talented 5A class a defending state
champ has returned since Tucson High
in 1970-71.

Speaking of Pat Farrell, the Knights’
successful coach (four 5A crowns) is just
three wins shy of 200. Only four other
Arizona coaches have won 200 or more
games at the same school. The record is
227 by Emil Nasser, former long time
mentor at once powerful Winslow High.

Look for Westwood, Mesa’s smallest
5A school (2,310) students, to make the
biggest improvement among East Valley
schools. The once proud Warriors, hit
hard by injuries, a youth movement and

a coaching change, look to bounce back
in a big way. And with receiver/defen-
sive back/kick returner Sammy Moore in
the lineup, the Warriors not only have
the best athlete in Arizona on their
side, but the state’s top football recruit.

Arizona, with close to a five million
population base, has become more and
more a hunting ground for Division I
programs. During the 1998 collegiate
season, 160 former Arizona products
dotted Division I-A rosters on football
scholarships. This figure does not
include players at the junior college
level, NAIA teams, or smaller Division
LA schools such as Northern Arizona
University, which plays quality football.
More than half of the 160 players
played in the state’s 4A ranks or below.
Peoria High, with 11 former players on
major college rosters, is the leader. Four
schools were tied at seven: South
Mountain, Tucson Sabino, Mesa Dobson
and Mesa High.

arizona football ‘99

5A CENTRAL REGION

1. Tempe Desert Vista (14-0)

2. Tempe Mountain Pointe (8-4)
3. Tempe McClintock (3-7)

4. Tempe Marcos de Niza (6-4)
5. Tempe Corona del Sol (10-2)
6. Casa Grande (2-8)

Two Desert Vista bodies, quarter-
back John Rattay and tight end Elton
Johnson, accounted for 50% of the
Thunder's total offense. Both are back.
Ratty, regarded as one of the state’s top
two signal callers, completed 175 of 303
passes (58%) for 3,094 yards and 36
touchdowns, including a 73-yarder for the
first score in the state finals. An excellent
athlete, last spring Rattay zipped over the
high hurdles in 14.36 seconds. Johnson,
an undersized tight end (5-11, 190) with
oversized skills, caught 63 passes for
1,158 yards and 15 scores. He caught
four for 49 yards in the finals. Rattay and
Johnson are not the only weapons in the
Thunder's arsenal. All-region tackle Brian
Goggin (6-4, 270) has a beefy collection
of buddys, including starters Frank
Ruzioka (6-2, 250), Derek Kennard (6-1,
225) and Jason Kelly (5-11, 210), not to
mention two-way performer Justin
Delfino (6-4, 254), Steve Larson (6-1,
210) returns at inside linebacker. Junior
Jason St. Clair (5-10, 160) and backup
tailback Tommie Tilford (5-10, 174) start-
ed in the secondary, which became
stronger with the addition of Markus
Thurman (5-9, 180), an all-region transfer
from Westview. Tilford rushed for 618
yards and scored three TDs. But the key
newcomer is big Danny Padilla (6-2,
240), a two-way all-state pick at 2A
power Superior, doubling at fullback/line-
backer. With the addition of Padilla,
Desert Vista's stock went up. Don’t be
fooled by his rushing stats (1,106 yards &
13 scores) in 2A competition. Behind
Desert Vista's massive line he may find
the going easier in 5A. Overall, the
Thunder return 10 starters for the ‘99
campaign.

At nearby Mountain Pointe, veteran
coach Karl Kiefer returns several veteran
players too, including 1,000 yard rusher
Nic Lovett (6-0, 185), son of former A-
State back Mark Lovett, now a Pride
assistant. To be exact, Lovett gained
1,347 yards from scrimmage and scored
20 touchdowns. On the defensive front,
the Pride have two premier defenders in
Clifford Starks (6-0, 245), the state 5A
shot put champ (58’5”), and nose guard
Richie Hightower (5-9, 225), runnerup in

Crass 5A
Top 20 POLL

. Tempe Desert Vista
. Mesa Westwood
. Mesa Red Mountain
. Mesa Mountain View
. Paradise Valley
. Phoenix Trevor Browne
. Scottsdale Horizon
. Phoenix Maryvale
Tempe Mountain Pointe
10. Tucson Amphitheater
11. Mesa

12. Tucson Sabino

13. Shadow Mountain

14. Glendale Mountain Ridge
15. Kingman

16. Peoria

17. Gilbert Highland

18. Mesa Dobson

19. Tempe McClintock |
— Phoenix St. Mee 's

1
=
3
4
5
6
7
8
9:

the discus (181'). Lovett joins David Hare,
Isiah Mack and junior Ryan Cozzetto to
form a sold secondary. Receiver Brad
Potter averaged 12.4 yards per catch in
the Points’ run-oriented offense. Cozzetto
(5-11, 180) has two more years to fine
tune his quarterback skills, which pro-
duced 18 completions in 37 attempts for
217 yards and two TDs. He’s also the
Pride’s punter (35.5). Big Richard Bell (6-
5, 220) kicked three field goals and 16
extra points. With Lovett’s return, the key
to Mountain Pointe's season will be the
offensive line. Jared Sibbitt (6-0, 205),
Eric Bloom (6-2, 245), Tony Aragon (6-0,
210) and T.J. Meise (5-10, 220) are
three-year varsity players. “We had a
good, solid year,” adds Kiefer, who enters
his 35th season in the profession. His
268 career wins is the state’s best.
McClintock seemed to fall apart after
a couple of close, early losses. That won't
happen again, if Dennis Johnson and his
staff have it their way. Young players up
from strong underclassmen teams, plus a
good kicking game paints a rosy picture.

Two-way end Terry Johnson (6-4, 230),
guard Larry Faust (6-2, 230) and punter
Bill Becher (6-3, 200) are the marquee
players. Each offensive play starts in J.J.
Hunt's hands, the Chargers’ 245-pound
center. Big Willie Ryan is a 300-pound
tackle. Mini backs Anthony Moore (5-8,
160) and Cameron Ward (5-6, 160) are
burners. The junior class looks strong
with twins Jacob and Jason Strack, David
Palmer, Blaine Davis, Andrew Weber and
Eric Oldenkamp in the lineup. Seniors
Andy Lyman and Deshon Mason, who
returns after a leg injury, should start.
Speedy Wayne McGriff could add punch
to the tailback slot. Still, because of their
youth, the Chargers appear one year
away.

Twenty returning lettermen, including
all-region linebacker Luke Hauptman,
improve Marcos de Niza’s chances.
With Hauptman (6-1, 228) in the lineup,
Tom Joseph's defense is solid up the gut.
The team’s defensive captain is one of
five returning starters, including two-way
players Charlie Klingensmith (6-2, 218)
and Brian Johnson (6-0, 185). Josh Todd
(6-1, 180), who might start at quarter-
back, returns at safety. Little Adam Villa
(5-8, 185) started at guard. Seniors John
Kelley, Rupert Hernandez, Shawn
Franco, Ryan Gorishek and Sergio
Rodriguez all played. Two-way end Steve
Patterson (6-4, 215) and halfback Taman
Jordan lettered as sophomores. “We
should be better,”says Joseph. “But it
depends upon our work ethic in the off
season.”

Graduation cleaned out the locker
room for one of the more talented
Corona del Sol teams. Veteran coach
Gary Ventura saw his 10-2 season fum-
bled away in the quarterfinals, 21-12 to
Mountain View. Twenty starters picked
up diplomas. Two starters, center Alex
Ibarra, who doubles at linebacker, and
strong safety Hunter Hawkins are back.
Hawkins, who could start at quarterback,
returned a fumble for a score against
Chandler. Two backs, Ryan Royse and
young John Lewis, plus a beefy collection
of two-way linemen up from the junior
varsity give the Aztecs a ray of hope. Two
linemen, Soloman Anderson and Josh
Adam, tip the scales at 280-plus pounds.
Still, graduation wiped out 95% of the
team’s production.

No Central Region school needs more
off-season work than Casa Grande,
which has had four different head coach-
es in the past six years. Still, the Cougars
finished 2-8 with 60% of the starting
positions manned by underclassmen. The

2s PS SSS SASS EEE PACMAN ON GY

Saluting the
1998 MESA HIGH SCHOOL
Playoff Jackrabbits

Coach Bill McKane and his assistants guided the ‘98 Jackrabbits through an 8-3 record
and into the Class 5A state playoffs for the 8th time in the past 10 years!

MESA HIGH SCHOOL

"Arizona's All-Time Winningest Football Program!"

State record 570 wins since 1920! e
Eleven Class 5A football championships! e
1973, 1986 & 1993 Class 5A semifinalist! e
15 Class 5A runnerups! e
30-10-2 record vs. out-of-state teams! e
10-0-0 record vs. California schools! e
14-10-2 record vs. Texas schools! e
6-0-0 record vs. New Mexico and Utah schools! @

One dozen Prep All-Americans!

Former Coach Mutt Ford's record: 227-64-17!
Nationally ranked in 1950, '54, '60 & '63!
Posted .820 winning mark in Decade of the '30s!
Intercepted state-record 33 passes in 1947!
Scored in 85 straight games between 1945-53!
Scored in 84 consecutive games from 1955-63!
Produced eight (9) professional football stars!

Sponsored by
Mesa Football Booster Club, Mesa, Arizona
“It’s Great to be a Jackrabbit!”

Barry SOLLENBERGER’S

key man in the trenches is senior Mark
Luna (6-2, 265), an all-region tackle.
Gary Baker (5-11, 175) returns at quar-
terback. Kevin Ratliff (6-0, 165) and
Jermaine Graves (5-11, 155) are capable
receivers. Little Chris Masuhr (5-8, 160),
a running back/linebacker, is a tough
player. Safety Quentin Johnson (5-11,
165) is the fastest Cougar. Ryan Mozingo
(6-3, 175) is a good two-way player.

5A EAST VALLEY REGION I

. Mesa Westwood (3-7)

. Mesa Red Mountain (8-3)

Mesa Mountain View (12-1)

. Mesa (8-3)

. Mesa Dobson (3-7)

. Scottsdale Desert Mountain (5-5)

OuRwWNH

No school in Mesa returns as many
key starters as Westwood, which won
only three games. More than half the
squad returns, including 12 starters, not
to mention the region’s top prospect,
senior Sammy Moore. The Warriors even
started two sophomore tackles. With
Moore in the lineup, Westwood is a threat
to bust one any second. Last year the all-
state kick returner/receiver returned two
punts for touchdowns, averaging 21.4
yards per return. Although most teams
kicked away from him, the two-time state
long jump champ managed 23.4 yards on
kickoffs. He caught 28 passes - mostly
from junior John Mendez - for 491 yards
and four scores. He averaged 17.5 yards
per reception and had a 95-yard TD
strike against Corona del Sol nullified by a
penalty. Last spring Moore was a mem-
ber of the Warriors nationally ranked mile
relay team (3:14.33), and long jumped
24-feet, 4-inches for the Warriors state
championship track & field squad. His
100 (10.63) and 200 (21.75) times were
among the state’s best. Quarterback
Mendez (5-9, 165) connected on 71 of
137 passes (52%) for 1,044 yards. Up
front, Matt Gess (5-10, 200) returns at
center, along with junior tackles Brandon
Hopkins (6-5, 240) and Ryan Finn (6-5,
215). Three backs, Patrick Smithson,
Darren Matthews and Jason McClure,
saw action early. So did tight end Wes
Rohner. Defensively, Jake Whisenant (5-
10, 185) returns at middle backer, along
with Moore at free safety. Greg Anderson
played the corner. Westwood’s main con-
cern is defense and depth.

Look for Red Mountain to field a
strong, athletic team, with better depth
than normal. Coach Jim Jones, the
Lions’ head coach since 1988, welcomes
a good collection of young players up

Streak busters

arizona football ‘99

Payson’s win over Blue Ridge in the 3A state finals ended the Yellow Jackets’
winning streak at 63 games, ninth best in USA history. The state’s all-time leaa-
ers, and the schools which beat them:

School

Lakeside Blue Ridge....
..St, Johns*
..Mesa Mountain View..
..Round Valley .

«Phoenix St, Mary’s
..Coolidge
..Phoenix Carver

“Includes ties.

from the underclassmen ranks. Still, the
meat of the varsity is the senior class.
This one starts at quarterback, where
Alan Grantham (5-10, 175) passed for
1,394 yards, 183 during a 33-15 playoff
loss to Trevor Browne. He found the end
zone 17 times. Tight end Brandon Smith
(6-1, 210) also plays linebacker. He and
Ben Owens (6-0, 205) start on the out-
side. Speedy Matt Porr (6-1, 175) doubles
at receiver and strong safety. K.C.
Weitman starts at free safety. Fullback
Eddie Gomez (5-9, 195) gained 444
yards and scored on an 87-yard kickoff
return against Cibola. But the best
prospect on the squad looks like Brian
Fitzpatrick (6-1, 230), an all-region two-
way lineman. Starters Dan Chavez (6-1,
230) and Derrick Lang (6-3, 250) flank
Fitzpatrick on the defensive line. That row
of players will be the Lions’ strength.
Josh Cook (5-11, 200) is the center. If
running back Mike Ferrari returns from a
leg injury, the Red & Black could improve
ast year’s 8-3 finish, best in the school’s
history.

For three years in a row Mountain
View was almost perfect. The Toros won
back-to-back state crowns and 40 consec-
utive games before Brophy Prep ended
their record run in the state semifinals. It’s
time to start over. Twenty lettermen
return from a 50-man squad, including
our all-region picks. One, 6-2, 220-
pound guard Brett Crandall, started as a
sophomore. Defensive end Jared Fritz (6-
2, 230) and center Jason Davis (6-2,
215) were members of The Tribune's
annual all-star squad. Fritz also starts at
right offensive guard. Split end James

Year

Lost To/Score

Payson, 29-20

Monument Valley, 24-16
Phoenix Brophy Prep, 10-3
Payson, 21-20

El Paso Austin, Tex., 7-0,
Valley Union, 26-8
Fredonia, 57-28

Phoenix Moon Valley, 14-7
Mesa, 27-12

Blythe, Calif., 20-14
Tucson, 12-6

Agua Fria, 48-26

Patterson (6-1, 180) was the Toros’ top
receiver, averaging 15.4 yards per catch.
Tackle Brad Smith and skill position play-
ers like Aaron Gordon, Greg Nielson,
D.J. Nye and Brady Hawkins saw action.
If there’s a weakness it’s defense. Fritz is
the only returning starter. The Toros open
at Kingman, an up-and-coming 5A
toughie which lost to state champ Desert
Vista the state semifinals, 20-16.

Each year the changing district seems
to cut into Mesa’s talent pool. But each
year the Jackrabbits, coached by Bill
McKane, stay competitive. Last fall the
Purple & Gold lost just three games - to
final eight schools Mountain View,
Brophy and Corona del Sol, “Our young
men played to their potential,” claims
McKane, whose winning percentage
(.765) is one of the state’s best. He
returns just three starters: Split end
Raufeem Jackson (6-3, 175), who can
play in the secondary, linebacker Gabe
Barreras (6-1, 220), who doubles at tight
end, and center/linebacker Cole “Doc”
Golightly (6-3, 218), one of the region's
premier players. An all-star as a junior,
Golightly had 41 solo tackles, 27 assists,
seven tackles for losses, two forced fum-
bles and four sacks. Tough little Jesus
Torres (5-8, 190), a defensive lineman,
and two way backs Kamoni Cook and
Junior Taylor should start. So should full-
back/linebacker Milton Garth (6-2, 220)
from Mississippi and tight end Vaitaki
Aholelei (6-4, 240) from Hawaii. Senior
Chance Henry should get a look at quar-
terback. Juniors Freddy Smith, Mika
Kofa, Josh Laughlin, Kevin McAbee and
Stephen Goroon will fill in available spots

2 snes rere Ss NS STS UE TSAR TEREST yy

arizona football ‘99

vacated by graduating seniors. The
‘Rabbits, with 570 wins in its history,
could get at least eight more.

Coach Mike Clark looks for improve-
ment at Dobson, where the Mustangs
return most of their line. Center/nose
guard Greg Weist (6-0, 250) is the best
bet for post-season honors. Aaron Flores,
Steve Tannenbaum, Cody Nelson and
Aaron Jeziorski join Weist on the line.
Quarterback Keith Goedert, and running
backs Brian Umaluf, Leland Rodgers,
David Richardson and Glenn Gary, a
newcomer from California, make up the
skill positions. Junior Dale Cockrell (6-3,
220) is a promising linebacker.

Last year Desert Mountain, in its
third year of varsity ball, started seven
sophomores and finished 5-5.
Quarterback Chad Christensen, a 6-2,
175-pound junior-to-be, completed 67%
of his passes for just over 1,200 yards.
He and defensive end Adam Suraci (6-3,
200) earned mention on the Scottsdale
all-city squad. Suraci and halfback Matt
Peterson (5-11, 185) are three-year varsi-
ty players. The Wolves’ junior class sup-
plies the receiving corps, with flanker
Chris Beaudoin (5-11, 170) and tight end
Todd Hannant (6-2, 205). Senior Taylor
Quintanilla (5-11, 230) and junior Mark
Standage (6-3, 235) are two solid defen-
sive tackles. “I really don’t know what to
expect this year,” says head coach Steve
Belles, a former state player of the year
at Phoenix St. Mary’s. “I know for sure
that the league is an excellent one, with
no weeks off. I do think we will have
good senior leadership.”

5A EAST VALLEY REGION II
1. Gilbert Highland (7-4)

2. Gilbert (4-7)

3. Chandler Hamilton (7-2)

4. Chandler (2-8)

5. Yuma Kofa (3-7)

6. Gilbert Mesquite

This fast growing region features two
new East Valley schools, and one with a
recent history of good, solid football. At
Highland the Hawks return 12 squad
members from a 7-4 playoff team which
lost a one touchdown battle to Mountain
View in the playoff's first round. Two,
linebacker Jeff Prince (5-11, 195) and
down lineman Brian Ahsoon (5-10, 225)
earned post season votes. Wideout
Marquis Cooper (6-2, 195) played as a
sophomore. Tackle Riley Haviland (6-2,
235) was the biggest junior in camp.

At Gilbert, veteran coach Jesse
Parker (244-91-4) has come full circle.

The former successful mentor at Phoenix
Camelback and Mountain View spent sev-
eral years in the Texas ranks before
returning to the East Valley. Only sixteen
players remain from a 4-7 squad, but
GHS played most of its games tough.
One starter, 6-2, 185-pound quarter-
back/safety Mike Doran, could develop
into one of the better players in the
region. The three-year letterman is also
the Tigers’ kicker. With little depth, watch
for key players like linemen Mike Butler
(5-10, 220) and Dan Mullins (6-2, 200),
along with backs Chris Moore (6-0, 175),
Ben Kerwin (5-9, 175) and Kyle Frost (5-
10, 160) to go both ways. “We expect to
have a good season,” says the veteran
coach. “The players have been enthusias-
tic and receptive to new ways of doing
things.” The Tigers have a rough non-
league schedule, but should be ready for
league play in October. They open Sept.
10 at Phoenix Trevor Browne.

With almost every player back,
Hamilton looks like a playoff contender.
The young Huskies, playing a patched up
schedule with 3A and 2A schools, fin-
ished 7-2 and looked good doing it. “We
feel real good about this year,” says sec-
ond year coach John Wrenn. “We had no
seniors last year.” Quarterback Trevor
Johnson (6-0, 170) was the leading scor-
er (58 pts.), passed for 1,260 yards and
rushed for 573. Junior tailback Chaz
Scott (6-2, 190) gained 861 yards and
scored nine touchdowns in the one back
offense, Jacqob Hutfless (6-2, 185)
picked off four passes in the secondary,
and is one of two excellent receivers. He
caught 30 passes for 459 yards and four
TDs. Little Mackel Mayers caught 34
passes for 559 yards and eight scores,
including a 77-yarder against San Manuel.
Defensively, Andy Dawson (6-1, 210) is a
tough nose guard, and the linebacking
trio of Jace Scheller (6-2, 230), Ed
Landwehr (6-2, 215) and Jason
Rodriguez (6-1, 195) is arguably the best
in the region.

Chandler, which lost more than its
share to young students to the city’s
newest school, returns just 15 players
from a 2-8 squad. But one, senior Devin
Richardson, might be the best player in
the region. The 5-10, 165-pound all-
league selection does it all, from running
the ball to roaming the secondary to
returning kicks. Linebacker Terrell Suggs
(6-5, 225) was another all-league pick.
Last year two sophomores, Kevin Krieger
(5-11, 185), a quarterback/linebacker,
and Armon Kennedy (6-8, 330), a two-
way tackle, lettered and could start. So

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

should linemen Ben Hipa, Brian Lester,
Tom Lombardo and Dan Rogers. Back
Shaunz Bass is a good two-way player.
Tom Bambauer handles the kicking.

5A DESERT VALLEY REGION
1. Paradise Valley (6-5)

2. Scottsdale Horizon (10-2)

3. Shadow Mountain (6-4)

4. Phoenix St. Mary's (8-3)

5. Phoenix Brophy Prep (10-4)

6. North Canyon (4-6)

This could be one of Paradise
Valley’s stronger teams. Coach Bob
Lambie has built a solid program, and the
Trojans seem to play everybody tough.
No matter who it may be. Last year, in
the playoffs first round, state champ
Desert Vista eliminated the Trojans 24-17
in overtime, and had to stuff PV's offense
three consecutive times in the fourth
quarter to do it. This year halfback Geoff
Ducksworth (5-10, 165, 4.5) is the main
man. He averaged 8.6 yards every time
he touched the ball in Paradise Valley's
wing-T offense. He scored on a 99-yard
kickoff return during a 56-42 win over
Phoenix Trevor Browne. Center Ryan
Van Wave (6-1, 215) and teammates
Aaron Boussu (6-2, 215) and Derek
Joyce (6-5, 260) form the nucleus of PV's
offensive front. Split end Todd Voll dou-
bles at safety. Junior Mike McNeil is the
fullback.

Horizon is rock solid at running back,
too. For the Huskies, 10-2 last year, all-
region back Anthony Fulcher (5-11, 190)
is the “go to” guy. Running, receiving or
rambling on kick returns, he crossed the
goal line 25 times (22 from the line of
scrimmage). He carried the ball 139 times
for 1,001 yards. Three times he scored
on kicks. Although Greg Wermes (6-0,
255) and Kyle Sager (6-0, 230) are the
only returning starters up front, line play
is an Horizon strength. Derek Shaffer (6-
0, 225) will start at center, flanked by
Jared Langenhuizen (6-1, 200) and Kyle
Fricke (5-11, 200). Steve Cota (6-3, 180)
steps in at quarterback. All-league line-
backer Derek Hobbs (6-0, 210) is the top
defender. His 59 unassisted tackles, one
pick and one sack is tops among return-
ing players. Linebacker Quint Swanberg
(5-11, 205) is another good one, and
doubles at fullback. Stu Kimball (6-1, 200)
is a reliable kicker. The Huskies open with
nationally ranked Desert Vista - on the
road.

Shadow Mountain might have
turned the corner, going 6-4 with lots of
underclassmen in the lineup. Still, they

page 22 cusses SRLS 5 SSS SSS ES SESE TEESE SD OES EEE OAT RSET,

We Salute The
Tempe City
og dea High School

(602) 894-1291

A Subsidiary of Upbancorp, Inc. Playe rs of the Ye ar

Chicago, Illinois

1998 Bobby Wade, Desert Vista, RB/DB

1997 Marcus Jones, Mountain Pointe, RB/LB

996....... Justin Taplin, Tempe, WR

995....... Keith Brown, Mountain Pointe, RB

994 Skeeter Brown, Mountain Pointe, RB

993....... Darnell Autry, Tempe, RB/DB

992....... Kenny Wheaton, McClintock, DB

991....... Armon Williams, Valley Christian, QB/DB

990....... Andrew McCormick, McClintock, RB/DB

1989....... Brian Drew, McClintock, RB/RS

1988 ....... Dan-iel Taplin, Tempe, TE/DE (jr.)

1987....... Bart James, McClintock, DB/K

986 Willy Lira, Marcos de Niza, QB

985 Cleveland Colter, McClintock, WR/DB

984 Rich Groppenbacher, McClintock, WR

983 John Walker, Marcos de Niza, QB

982....... Shawn Patterson, McClintock, T

981 Glenn Dennard, Corona del Sol, WR

1980 Jimmy Williams, Tempe, LB

1979 Arthur Reeves, Marcos de Niza, RB

978 Matt Palacio, McClintock, LB

977 David Hinds, McClintock, RB

976 Andy Arrendondo, McClintock, RB

975 Ronnie Washington, McClintock, WR °

974. Jimmy Moore, Marcos de Niza, TE LE z i i Nae
973....... Preston Dennard, Marcos de Niza, WR Marcus Jones scores against McClintock.
O72 wiasas Herbie Ramirez, McClintock, WR (Michelle Conway photo)

Marcus Jones Kenny Wheaton Armon Williams Preston Dennard
Mountain Pointe McClintock Valley Christian Marcos de Niza

“Good luck Sun Devils, Cardinals, Rattlers and
All local high schools in 1999!”

We Salute Head Coach Tim Santord, His Staff and

THE ‘98 BROPHY BRONCOS

3 sa de
Eo ia « Si
ae it

10-4 Season Record & 5A State Finalists!

Mountain View 14| Broncos have made the playoffs 12 consecutive years, and played in two
Tucson Salpointe 14] 5A championship games in the past three years.

Mesa 3
Paradise Valley 13} W Quarterback Carson Bradley passed for 1,866 yards and halfback Courtney
North Canyon 10) Golden rushed for 1,589.

Yuma Kofa 13
Scottsdale Horizon 26) Senior Brian Gaffney, now a freshman at Stanford, won of the Larry

Glendale Ironwood 0} Gordon Award, saluting the state’s best linebacker.
Phoenix St. Mary's 21

Shadow Mountain 14 ‘
Tsien Ame 10 V Courtney Golden (RB), Pat Walsh (C), Ryan Clancey (DB), Brian Gaffney

aRerheowHe 14| (LB), Lenno Melton (DE) and Koma Keita (DL) were first team all-Desert Valley
3 Region picks; Carson Bradley (QB), Brian Barda (OL), Monte Coleman (TE),
Bob Gill (K), Ryan Dickerson (DB) & Dave Anderson (DL) second team.

Mountain View
Tempe Desert Vista 38

SPONSORED BY BROPHY COLLEGE PREPARATORY
4701 N. Central Ave. e Phoenix e (602) 264-5291

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S 2

will miss speedy Shaun McDonald, who
took his all-state credentials to Arizona
State’s campus. Coach Hal Pigusch wel-
comes six returning offensive linemen,
several quality backs and two good
receivers. The key player is quarterback
Monty Hoffman (6-2, 185), whose twin
brother Marcus (6-3, 185) is an excellent
target. Wideout Jeremy Franz (5-9, 165)
is a real burner (4.5), taking pressure off
Hoffman. Opponents can't double up on
either one. With Bret Bodinet (6-3, 250),
Josh Hunt (6-1, 220), Kevin Bucich (6-1,
253), Paul Meek (6-2, 255), Vic
Bagdasarian (6-2, 290), lan Cameron (6-
3, 210) and Travis Ensign (6-2, 205) in
the lineup, the Matadors might have the
strongest front wall in the region. Junior
Cory Nochta (6-0, 190) has promise at
running back.

St. Mary’s rebounded from a 1-2
start and won seven straight, capped by a
7-6 win over Horizon. They dropped a 7-
0 defensive struggle to Mountain Pointe
in the first round of the playoffs. Head
coach Pat Farrell, with 197 wins at the
school, is close to joining the 200-win fra-
ternity. Eighteen letter winners return, but
only four started. Two-way back Thomas
Beier (5-10, 180), fullback/linebacker
Nick Spong (5-9, 195) and center
Michael Rush (5-10, 240) are three-year
varsity players. Pat Benedict, Aaron Muth
and Charlie Scott help form a better than
average front wall. Big Nate Griffin and
Sean Castillo are promising juniors. The
region has had three different champions
in the last three years. “Our schedule calls
for 10 straight quality opponents who will
test how quickly we mature as a team,”
says Farrell, who has coached longer at
this Phoenix school than any previous
coach.

A senior dominated team carried
Brophy Prep into the playoffs for the
12th straight year. The ride ended at Sun
Devil Stadium, 38-31 to Phoenix Desert
Vista, played before 21,480 fans in
Tempe. Senior tackle Jared Rosell (5-11,
235) is the only returning starter. “It will
be a rebuilding year,” claims Tim Sanford,
101-62-2 at the Phoenix school. “We
could start as many as six sophomores.”
Young Jeff Rush (6-2, 185) could get the
call at quarterback. He'll have three sea-
sons to polish his skills. Classmates Adam
Deguire and Kyle Dukeshier are promis-
ing young players also. Still, the success
of this year’s squad resides in the senior
class. Big Matt Collins (6-3, 270), Kyle
O'Connor, Al Porteous, Shamus Ankrom
and Kiernan Curley give the Broncos sta-
bility on the line. Danny King, Mike

Race to 100

arizona jootball ‘99

Last year Blue Ridge, followed by Mesa Mountain View, became the first
Arizona schools to win 100 football games in a decade. Below are the

leaders in the Decade of the ‘90s:
School
Lakeside Blue Ridge...

Phoenix St. Mon §, Sa
Mesa ....

Thatcher
Tucson Sahuaro .

Tucker and lan Reilly man the skill posi-
tions. Two-way players Jason Robles,
Mike Robson and James Robinson repre-
sent the junior class.

It was a tough year at North Canyon,
filled with close calls and unfortunate
injuries. “We had the ability to be much
better,” claims first year coach Jeff
Bowen. “Our junior class has quality play-
ers but we need production this year from
our seniors.” Best bet for post season
honors could be junior Jason Murray, a 5-
10, 205-pound fullback/linebacker, He's
a good one. So is junior Brandon Roy (6-
0, 185), a two-way back with 4.6 speed.
End Mike Weathersbee (6-2, 225), center
Joe Nichols (6-0, 198) and wingback
Ryan Norris (6-0, 190) give the Rattlers
good senior leadership.

5A METRO REGION

1. Phoenix Maryvale (8-3)
2. South Mountain (5-5)

3. Phoenix Camelback (2-8)
4. Yuma Union (3-8)

5. Phoenix North (0-10)

6. Phoenix Cesar Chavez

Phoenix Maryvale has missed the
playoffs only twice in the past 15 years.
This won't be one of them. Tom Bruney’s
young forces won eight games before get-
ting steamrolled in the playoffs. All-region
tackle Josh Kirkwood (6-4, 255), center
Mike Marshall (6-4, 245), fullback
Galindo Godinez (5-10, 205) and defen-
sive end Robert Holmes (5-10, 215) are
three-year varsity players. Kirkwood, who
doubles at tight end, is the key player.
Defensive backs Roy Huckaby, Erik

Years
1990-98
..Mesa Mountain View ..1990-98

Overall Winning %
(918)
(,863)

. (853)

. (781)

. 6798)

. (768)

. (832)
(776)
(,806)

. (759)

. 796)

Deloney and Joel Contreras give the
Panthers speed and senior leadership. But
the real speed is in the junior class, where
tailback Daryl Lightfoot (5-9, 170, 4.4)
resides. Lightfoot, the most exciting
young player in the Metro, gained 1,170
yards from scrimmage, 383 receiving and
scored 21 touchdowns. Defensively, he’s
a great cover guy. Quarterback Travis
Brown (6-0, 170, 4.5) passed for 1,160
yards and rushed for 487. Linebacker
Nate Pittman was the leading tackler, with
Jose Buenrostro close behind. Big Dustin
Speer, a 285-pounder, anchors the center
of the Panthers’ defensive line. Maryvale’s
playoff loss was a 57-9 drubbing by
Scottsdale Horizon.

South Mountain hopes to rebound
with a better defense and an improved
passing game. It won't be easy.
Graduation took a big chunk of its armor.
All-region defensive back Ray Hodge (5-
11, 170), with 4.4 speed, is the marquee
player, the next in a long list of good col-
lege prospects. Other Jaguars who saw
action include wideout Terrell Dansby and
defensive lineman Raul Rojas. Both
earned post season acclaim. Guard Raul
Mori and halfback Andre Beckett started.
One major problem is the Jaguars’ non-
league schedule. It's murder.

“We still are a year or two away from
being where we want to be,” says
Camelback head coach Phillip Wooley,
“But we think we're on the right track.”
The Spartans will miss all-state back
dames Smith (California), but return good
speed and size. Depth is a major prob-
lem. Two-way back Adryan Nelson (5-10,
180), guard Alex Tejada (6-0, 195), and

page 25

Mesa Public Schools

DEDICATED TO THE
PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

LEADING THE VALLEY IN
ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS
SINCE 1920

ACADEMICS

Nine graduates of Mesa Public Schools have received Arizona
Interscholastic Association “Scholar-Athlete” Scholarships since 1990.

ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS

Beginning with the 1989-90 school year, Mesa Public Schools have won

52 5A State Championships in

Baseball — Boys

Basketball — Boys

Basketball — Girls

Cross Country — Boys and Girls
Football — Boys

Golf — Boys

Softball — Girls

Tennis — Boys

Track and Field — Boys and Girls
Volleyball — Girls

Wrestling — Boys

Soccer — Boys

OCOWOWWOQVVOOQ90000

Speech and Theatre — Boys and Girls (13 consecutive titles)

Skyline HS

Mountain View HS

DR. DALE E. FREDERICK

Superintendent

DR. STEVE HOGAN
Athletic Director

549 NORTH STAPLEY, MESA, ARIZONA 85213

(480) 472-0250

Westwood HS

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

linebackers Joe Verdugo (5-10, 175),
Jack McEvoy (6-0, 205) and Anthony
Didomizio (6-0, 190) are all-league candi-
dates. Little Kevin Bryant (5-9, 160) looks
to start at quarterback. Sunkami Ebun (6-
3, 175), with 4.7 speed, is a capable
receiver. Linemen Eric Law, Corey Fair,
Ben Marquez, Steve Moreno, Max
Weisinger, Dan Marquez and Bruce
Goulet all tip the scales at 200-plus
pounds.

5A METRO SOUTHWEST

1. Phoenix Trevor Browne (10-2)
2. Tolleson Westview (6-4)

3. Phoenix Alhambra (5-5)

4. Phoenix Central (3-7)

5. Yuma Cibola (1-10)

6. Phoenix Carl Hayden (1-9)

Last year Trevor Browne lost only
twice, 56-42 to Paradise Valley during the
regular season and 42-14 in the 5A quar-
terfinals to Brophy Prep. Only 12 seniors
departed. Eleven starters return. Nine
earned all-league recognition, including
three first-team picks: Tackle James
Clement (6-3, 270), guard Sean Shalola
(5-11, 250) and kicker Kevin Hughes (5-
7, 130). In fact, no team in the Metro
returns as many quality starters. Big Paul
Keith (6-4, 315) and little Jake Thomas
(5-6, 125) join Mike Fierro and Travis
Dukes in the trenches, along with
Clement and Shalola. Linebackers Jorge
Chavez and Jimmy Chavez also started.
Running back Ross Moody and safety

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Adrian Higuera are good, young players.
Westview, the fastest growing school
on the west side, got off to a good start,
beating Maryvale and St. Mary’s, but
struggled late and missed the playoffs.
Coach George Martinez and his troops
move into the Metro and should content.
A tough non-league schedule (Ironwood,
Mountain View, Kingman, Westwood,
Peoria) will test the Knights early. With
linebacker Drew Sille (6-0, 190), guard
Russell Fleming (6-0, 225), tight end
Daniel White (6-1, 190) and quarterback
Scott Martinez (6-3, 180) in the lineup,
Westview has four of the best players in
the region. Martinez is the coach’s son.
Sille recorded 16 sacks and returned two
fumbles for scores. Tye White (5-10, 175)
is a capable receiver. Ralph Wiley (6-0,
230) will start at center. Jimmy Shields (5-
9, 190) is a hard-running fullback. Sille
and Martinez will join Shields in the back-
field. Mike Maxwell is the team’s safety.
Frank Lautt’s Lions played every game
tough, but two close losses kept
Alhambra out of the playoffs. “We
expect to have an exciting team,” says
Lautt, who started seven sophomores.
One, tailback Cornell Canidate (5-9,
170), is one of the most exciting in the
region. He turned his 4.5 speed into 955
yards on 90 tots, a 10.6 average per
carry. During a 30-23 win over Deer
Valley, he rushed for 254 yards and
scored on kickoff returns of 93 and 92
yards, Canidate and speedy linebacker
Daryl Johnson (5-9, 170) were all-region

(602) 997-1567

arizona football ‘99

picks. Junior Johnny Ornelas (6-0, 190)
starts at quarterback, with tight end
Jeremy Gibbons (6-2, 195), another jun-
ior, a solid receiver. So is Derek Smith,
who doubles at defensive back. Joey
Paynter (6-1, 195) is the Lions’ center.
Mike Branch (5-11, 260), Jomond Ervin
(6-0, 210) and T.J. Hills (6-1, 205) join
him on the line. Jason Robbins and
Ricardo Reyes are good two-way players.
Central played lots of underclassmen
and most have stayed in the program.
That's a first. The Bobcats, coached by
Rick Mazza, show little turnover, returning
one dozen key players. They lost close
games to city rivals Alhambra (26-22) and
South Mountain (13-8), finishing 3-7.
“We were better than that,” claims
Mazza, who looks forward to the new
season. “We should be really improved.”
In the past two years, quarterback Zack
Sparksman (6-3, 188) has thrown for
2,391 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s
rushed for 483 yards. Tight end Luis
Lujan (6-4, 248) has great hands and can
run and block. Defensive end Gerald
Johnson (6-4, 195), a basketball and
track performer, led the team in tackles
(110) and sacks (8). If tailback Lee Ignac
(6-0, 215) stays healthy, opponents will
have to respect the running game. He's a
tough one, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Despite their record, Yuma Cibola
was much improved from the previous
year. “We are starting to come around,”
says Shawn Wehrer, who lost very little to
graduation. The Raiders look deeper, with

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(480) 396-8824

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page 27

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

arizona football ‘99

a good junior class. In fact, fullback
Reggie Guerrero (5-10, 225), a linebacker
on defense, looks like the best of a real
good junior crop. Two-way end Frank
Reed (6-3, 215), linebacker Jesse
Gonzalez (5-11, 225) and “jack of all
trades” Ricky Villareal (6-1, 195) are
three seniors who could start for any
team in the region. Villareal plays tight
end, runningback and linebacker.

5A NORTHWEST REGION

. Glendale Mountain Ridge (8-3)
. Kingman (10-3)

. Peoria (5-5)

. Glendale Deer Valley (2-8)

. Glendale Ironwood (3-7)

. Phoenix Goldwater (1-9)

AnhWNe

Two years ago, five teams from this
region moved up from 4A, and every one
was competitive. Two, including
Mountain Ridge, held their own in the
‘98 playoffs, Ironically, the champion
Lions drew runnerup Kingman in the first
round and dropped a heartbreaker, 13-7.
Coach Jim Ewan returns 23 players, four
starters on both offense and defense, and
both kickers. “Our senior leadership is
outstanding, and our overall strength has
improved drastically,” says Ewan, who
won a state championship at Eloy Santa
Cruz earlier in his career, “Our weight
program is the single most important rea-

D wih y
Ryan Thornton
Ironwood

Nic Lovett
Mountain Pointe

son for our success.” Jeff Sharp (6-2,
208), an all-league linebacker, is a three-
sport star, and one of the best in the
region. He also plays tight end and han-
dles the kicking. Next door is linebacker
Matt Hayward (6-1, 205), another all-
region pick. He's the team’s long snap-
per. Running back Skip Ast (5-9, 205)
and guard Chuck Rowe (5-10, 195)
earned post season honors also. Ryan
Prassas (5-9, 170), a good baseball play-
er, is the Lions’ quarterback. Safety Brad
Fisher (5-11, 180) and punter Matt
Parrack (6-1, 190) add to a deep senior
class. Three good juniors, defensive back
Cole Stoneman (6-0, 180), receiver Josh
Brayer (6-5, 215) and two-way tackle
Richie Incognito (6-4, 270) will play.
Stoneman and Brayer play on the basket-
ball team. Junior Corey Childress, a trans-
fer from Glendale Independence, plays

wideout and safety, and might be the sur-
prise catch of the season.

Up-and-coming Kingman dropped its
opener to Gilbert, then improved each
week and had a chance to win it all. The
Bulldogs, coached by Ray Smith, knocked
out Westview near the end of the season,
league champ Mountain Ridge in a
rematch, then Tempe Mountain Pointe in
a big upset in the 5A quarters. State
champ Desert Vista held on to beat the
‘Dogs 20-16 in the semis. “If we can
replace our offensive line, we could be
tough again,” says Smith, who returns
most of his skill players, except quarter-
back. Guard Brent Bridges (6-3, 230),
halfback Dustin Mote (5-10, 170) and
linebacker Mike Rosencrans (6-0, 175)
could start for any 5A school in the state.
In fact, so could linebacker Mike Sheehan
(5-11, 210), center David Heiselman (6-3,
220) or running back Josh Moua (5-10,
170). Mote, whose brother Trevor was
the state junior college baseball player of
the year, rushed for 1,505 yards, scored
14 touchdowns, averaged 41.0 yards
punting and intercepted six passes on
defense. Moua rushed for 789 yards and
scored seven times. Rosencrans recorded
72 tackles. Little Phil Krumwiede (5-8,
175) plays fullback and linebacker. Big
Shawn Sullivan (6-5, 278) is a transfer
from Coconino, the head coach’s high
school alma mater.

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page 28

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

A whopping 37 returning players,
most of any school in the region, greet
the coaches at Peoria, as the Panthers
move into the 5A ranks. “Moving to 5A
has created new excitement for this year’s
team,” says head coach Doug Clapp,
whose teams have won 77% of their
games since 1986. “We look forward to
the challenge. Winning four of our last
five games says a lot about the character
of the athletes who are coming back.”
Without a doubt, Peoria has three of the
better players in the league in tight end
Robbie Byrne (6-5, 223), defensive back
Andrew Garcia (6-1, 180) and tackle
Brandon Peterson (6-2, 225), an all-
league center who will switch positions.
Size resides in the senior and junior class-
es, speed in the younger ranks, Brad
Kreutzberg (6-8, 231), Mike Marquez (6-
1, 232), Paul Kitchen (6-3, 270) and
Aaron Lassner (6-2, 275) will start on the
line. Lassner, just a junior, will be the cen-
ter. Linebackers Craig Loscheider (5-11,
215) and Branum Sherrill (6-1, 185) are
two more members of a thin senior class.
Junior Vince Fiore (6-1, 195) looks to
start at quarterback. He's also the team's
punter. Classmate Ross Luna (5-11, 180)
is an excellent safety. Junior Hamilton
Jones (6-0, 170) joins him in the second-
ary. Several sophomores could start,
including wideouts Billy King and J.W.
Lucas, and running backs Kelly Mitchell,
Chris Kluzek and Shawn Havill. Lucas
might be the backup quarterback. Peoria,
the metro’s winningest 4A school in the
‘90s, may have too many underclassmen
to be a playoff contender this year. But
don't bet against them.

Coach Rick Mey looks for a much bet-
ter start at Deer Valley, with more than
half the roster returning. The Skyhawks
offense starts with quarterback Andy Gray
(6-1, 185), a three-year starter who com-
pleted 49% of his passes for 1,100 yards.
He rushed for 520. Junior wideout Jason
Norman (6-2, 170) averaged 16 yards
per catch. Joe Seto (6-1, 215) looks like
the best offensive lineman. But the
strength of this team is defense, starting
with linebacker David Worrell (5-10,
200), one of only a few two-way players.
He will play just linebacker this year. Up
front, the Hawks have strong, tough play-
ers like Junior Frederick (6-0, 220) and
young Drew Severn (6-3, 240), whose
father and uncle were national champion
wrestlers at Arizona State. Safety Gabe
Florio (6-2, 195) is a good one.

A young, inexperienced Ironwood
squad, which started more underclassmen
than seniors, struggled through a 3-7

campaign. However, fourteen starters
return, including four on the offensive
line. When the Eagles line up to snap the
ball, look for Mike Johnson (6-5, 280),
Doug Jarczyk (6-2, 190), Ryan Morgan
(6-5, 220), Shane Mackin (6-5, 240) and
Dan Nelson (6-1, 210) up front. Key
players at the skill positions include two-
way back Ryan Thornton (5-11, 170,
4.5), the quickest Eagle in camp, and all-
league kicker Paul Ernster (6-2, 210),
who averaged 38.8 yards per punt and
kicked a 49-yard field goal. Mike Nagy (6-
1, 170) looks to start at quarterback. Big
Chris Jacobson (6-6, 230) is a good tar-
get at tight end. Ryan Softley (6-2, 230)
is a good linebacker and Shane Solie (6-
3, 210) an excellent defensive end. The
Eagles look improved in every aspect of
the game.

At Goldwater, former Moon Valley
coach John Burke takes over a Bulldog
squad which lost its last nine games, and
hasn't had consecutive winning seasons in
its history. The ‘Dogs downed Carl
Hayden 41-12 in their opener, lost a 9-0
heartbreaker to Shadow Mountain, then
the bottom fell out.

5A SOUTHERN REGION

. Tucson Amphitheater (9-2)

. Tucson Sabino (12-1-1)

. Tucson Canyon del Oro (3-7)
. Tucson Salpointe (4-6)

. Tucson Rincon (7-3)

. Tucson Flowing Wells (5-5)

. Tucson (1-9)

. Sierra Vista Buena (0-10)

ANDOBWNeE

The south looks more balanced than
normal, but don’t count out Tucson
Amphi. No school in southern Arizona
has dominated this region like Amphi.
Veteran coach Vern Friedli, 215-56-1 at
the school, returns three all-city players
and enough tradition to keep the ship
afloat on a bad year, Just 15 players
return from a 9-2 squad which lost to
Phoenix Brophy Prep in the playoff's first
round. Three can really play, including
two-way tackle Rocky Huntsinger (6-1,
255), one of the region's best, running
back Tony Okafor (6-0, 195), and junior
quarterback Joel Ramano (5-8, 170), field
general for Amphi’s wishbone. During the
regular season, Okafor averaged 5.3
yards per play, gaining 857 yards on 161
carries. Romano threw 10 touchdown
passes. Huntsinger, deep back Jerek
Pedersen, and linebackers Nate Eggman
and B.J. Carrera were part of a stingy
Panther defense which gave up just over
200 yards per game, second best in the

arizona football ‘99

city. Transfer Jason Evenson (6-3, 275), a
two-way tackle, should fit right in.

With the addition of Tucson Sabino,
the South just got stronger. For the first
time since 1988, the Sabercats are back
in the 5A ranks. Since then, no 4A
school has produced a better winning per-
centage (.777) than Sabino. Jeff
Scurran’s forces (12-1-1) stuffed Aqua
Fria in the state 4A finals, his third such
crown. They dropped their season-opener
to Tucson Sahuaro and were tied by
Bonita Vista from San Diego. Two all-city
players return, and both are dandys.
Halfback Quinn Gooch (6-2, 185), the
‘Cats kicker, and defensive lineman Jeff
Drumm (5-10, 205) are all-state candi-
dates. Gooch does it all. He scored 174
points, 18 on TDs and 50 through the
uprights. He intercepted six passes, one
in the state finals. The cat-quick Drumm
made over 60 solo tackles. Quarterback
Blake Kinart (6-3, 180) completed 60 of
122 passes (49%) for 1,446 yards and 19
TDs. These three, plus deep back Danny
Perry, tackle Kevin Amidan, running back
Jovan Vercel and linebacker Aaron
Huertas earned some kind of post season
recognition. Linebacker Tyler Tribolet,
center Robert Hudson, tackle D.J. Lopez
and back George Lovett all played. “We
had a great year,” adds Scurran, “Great
team chemistry. But this will be more dif-
ficult. The accumulation of larger teams,
week-after-week, will be tough on a team
not used to it.”

Recently, Canyon del Oro has strug-
gled. The Dorados won only three games,
but 75% of the lineup returns, including
several players who played as sopho-
mores. Senior Ryan Schroyer (6-1, 200)
was an honorable mention all-city pick at
defensive end. Quarterback/safety Evan
Gray (6-0, 163), receiver Jayson Hunter
(6-3, 188), halfback Kirk Creviston (5-8,
140) and wideout David Dickert (6-4,
172) could become three-year letter win-
ners. With players like Ryan Pelz (6-2,
236), Ryan Bartz (6-1, 249), Andy Metz
(6-3, 222) and Ryan Vossler (6-1, 284) in
the lineup, the Dorados have size on the
line.

Graduation all but cleaned out the
Salpointe Catholic roster. However,
head coach Pat Welchert (73-64-1)
returns two talented players in quarter-
back Zack Seward (6-0, 185) and split
end John Porter (6-1, 170). Seward hit
on 76 of 165 passes (46%) for 1,063
yards and nine TDs. Porter latched on to
37 passes for 702 yards (19.8) and five
touchdowns. Junior Brian Welch (5-8,
158) was an honorable mention all-city

sae SE SS TSR STEHT Ny yg

arizona football ‘99

Big schools

Projected enrollment figures for Arizona’s
largest 5A schools for the upcoming fall
football season:
High School
... Mesa Mountain View
Mesa Dobson
Mesa
South Mountain
.Mesa Red Mountain
Tucson Canyon del Oro
.Gilbert
.North Canyon
..«Chandler Hamilton
Yuma Kofa
.Chandler
.Gilbert Highland
Tempe Corona del Sol
Scottsdale Horizon
Phoenix Central
Sierra Vista Buena
Phoenix Camelback
Phoenix North
.Phoenix Trevor Browne
«Phoenix Alhambra
Paradise Valley
Gilbert Mesquite
Tolleson Westview
.Yuma Cibola

SOURCE: Arizona Interscholastic Assoc.

defensive back, along with Seward. Depth
and a lack of size are a concern. Only four
returning linemen, Art Przybyl, Richard
Soza, Jason Low and Julio Cruz, tipped
the scales at 200-plus pounds.

What a turn around at Rincon,
where first year coach Jeff Green got
the Rangers out of a rut and recorded
the school's first 7-3 season since
1974. “We were disappointed we did-
n't make the playoffs,” says Green, a
former assistant at Sabino. “Hopefully
we learned how to win.” Senior quar-
terback Dan Pivirotto (6-0, 180) leads
the Rangers into the 5A ranks with
708 passing yards and seven TDs. He
also plays safety. Cornerback Shorty
Hardin (6-1, 185, 4.5) and tackle
Tristan Gibbons (6-3, 200) earned
honorable mention all-city acclaim.
Hardin was the state 4A long jump
champ (24'3”). Gibbons plays line-
backer and does the kicking, making
39 extra points and four field goals.
He even scored three touchdowns.
Adam Stiffe (6-1, 225) is the Rangers’
center. Matt Martin (6-0, 230) and
Alex Ramirez (6-0, 220) join Gibbons
in the trenches, on both sides of the
ball. Two-way back Juan Cissomani
(5-10, 170) is a capable runner. All
are seniors except Stiffe.

A good balance between running
and passing could make the switch to
5A easier for Flowing Wells. Also,
the Caballeros return two first-team
all-city picks, linebacker Dusty Peace
(5-11, 220) and tackle Albert
Hernandez (6-1, 250), a Tucson
Citizen all-star as a sophomore.
Quarterback Mike Weber (5-11, 165)
completed 73 of 134 passes (54%) for
1,057 yards and six touchdowns.

BarrRY SOLLENBERGER’S

Halfback Ryan Sandoval (6-1, 180) scored
13 times and gained 661 yards on 118
carries. Besides Peace and Hernandez, the
defense looks solid with Steve Carpenter
(6-1, 225), Dan Stone (6-0, 215) and
Andy Bryant (5-11, 190) back for one
more year.

Last year Tucson needed only two
wins to reach 500 victories, second best in
state history. They got only one, over
Sierra Vista Buena, which didn’t win a
game. Still, there’s a ray of hope for this
once proud football school. Two-way tack-
le Ernie Hawkinson (6-3, 240) will anchor
the line. He’s a three-year varsity starter.
Running back Tremaine Cox also returns,
with 812 yards on 167 carries in nine
games. Buena, once a southern power,
has a long way to go. Last year was the
irst time the Colts failed to win a varsity
contest. They gave up 345.9 yards per
game, worst in the region. But the Colts
should be stronger, bigger on the front
ine, and deeper. Quarterback Landon
Spilsbury (6-0, 155), also the team’s safe-
ty, is the key guy. If he stays healthy and
gets protection, a win or two might follow.
He missed the last two games with a bro-
ken hand. The junior class makes up the
ine, with Jared Fry (6-0, 262), Nick Green
(5-11, 200), Jorge Galindo (5-10, 195)
and Fred Osborne (6-3, 215), to name a
few. The senior class, with players like
Billy Ray Stroup, Ryan Haymore, Jeremy
Whitworth, Javarious Dean and Shane
Hemesath man the skill positions.
Whitworth could get most of the calls at
running back.

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Congratulations
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Kingman Bulldogs

o KINGMAN

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Saluting Coach Ray Smith & His Staff!

Seniors 37-9-0 and two final four appearances in 4A & 5A in past four years!

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Mountain Ridge 23
Desert Mountain 7
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PLAYOFFS:

3010 Stockton Hill Rd., Kingman : Mountain Ridge 6

(520) 753-3133 : Mountain Pointe 12
“It’s Great to be a Bulldog!”

arizona football ‘99

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

Scottsdasle Chaparral’s Josh Griffin, one of the state’s best backs, slices through Cactus defenders in a clash
between 4A powers (CHS photo).

Sahuaro, Chaparral Cream of the Crop

It was a record breaking day on Sept.

18, 1998, when Glendale Cactus,
ranked No. 1 in the state, out raced
Tucson Sahuaro 62-55 in the second
highest scoring 11-man football game
in Arizona history. The two-team total
of 117 points trailed only the 122 set
in a 1997 playoff game in Cottonwood,
when Mingus Union swamped Peoria
Centennial 78-44. In a losing effort,
Sahuaro’s junior quarterback Reggie
Robertson completed 29 of 44 passes
for 466 yards and five touchdowns. He
didn’t throw an interception. His coun-
terpart, junior Jon Stoner, scored on a
short run with 11 seconds left to give
Cactus the win. Earlier Stoner scored
ona 72-yard dash on the first play of
the second half.

In this wild game between two
always strong 4A schools, at least four

additional state records were set or tied:

Total offensive yards by one team (786
Cactus), total yards by two teams
(1,341), first downs by two teams (64),

page 32

and most points in a losing game (55),
set in 1989 by Greenway during a 56-
55 loss to - of all people - Cactus.

Sahuaro, always strong at the skill
positions, is the school which produced
former USC star Rodney Peete, who
has spent the better part of the past
decade in the NFL. Robertson is the lat-
est in a long line of excellent QBs to
come out of this school, located in east
Tucson. Sahuaro’s season ended in the
state quarterfinals, 45-37 to Agua Fria,
in a game played in Tempe. Sixty-seven
passes. One interception. Robertson
completed 41 of 67 attempts for 417
yards in the loss. His lone interception
ended it. “If you throw the ball that
many times, something like that is
going to happen,” said first year coach
Nemer Hassey after the game. It was an
interception at the goal line which
secured the win for the Ouls.

By no means does Sahuaro have to
rely soley only upon Robertson's arm to
win. During an upset of unbeaten

Newbury Park, Ca., it was the Cougars’
running game and strong defensive
play, led by linebacker Cameron Bell,
which secured the win. And by no
means are Robertson and Stoner the
only good players in the state’s 4A
ranks.

During the 1990s, the 4A ranks have
sent more players into college football
than the state’s larger 5A schools. Last
year 160 former Arizona products dot-
ted Division I-A rosters on football
scholarships. More than half played in
the state’s 4A ranks or below. Peoria
High, a 4A school until recently, was
the leader with 11 former Panthers on
major college rosters. Tucson Sabino,
South Mountain, Mesa Dobson and
Mesa were tied with seven each. The
Pac-10, with 74 former Arizonans, was
the conference leader, with the WAC a
distant second (30). The University of
Arizona was the individual school
leader (23), with ASU second (22).

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

4A SONORAN REGION
1. Tucson Sahuaro (8-4) )

2. Tucson Sunnyside (7-3)
3. Tucson Palo Verde (9-2)
4. Marana (7-4)

5. Tucson Cholla (0-10)

6. Douglas (1-9)

It's the worst kept secret in Tucson.
When you play Tucson Sahuaro, your
secondary better buckle up. “We are very
excited about our team,” says second year
coach Nemer Hassey, whose club beat
state 4A champ Tucson Sabino. “We
return good players at key positions. We
were one play away from making the
finals.” No doubt about, quarterback
Reggie Robertson (6-2, 180) will be the
man of the hour. In two years, Robertson
has passed for 4,173 yards and 43 touch-
downs. Last fall he completed 179 of
296 passes (60%) for 22 touchdowns and
only six interceptions. His best night
came in a loss to Glendale Cactus: 29/44
for 466 and six scores. But Reggie is just
one of 23 returning Cougars raring to go.
All-state wideout Calvin Dacus (6-1, 175,
4.6) led the state with 79 catches for 903
yards and 15 scores. Fullback/linebacker
Cameron Bell (6-0, 200) rushed for 523
yards and scored 12 touchdowns. On
defense he recorded 193 tackles - 16 per
game. Running back Adam Cortese (6-0,
205) gained 515 yards and scored 10
times. Tony Wingate (6-2, 185) intercept-
ed five passes and plays three different
positions. Wingate, tackle Kevin Thomas
(6-2, 250), guard Josh Hill (6-2, 210) and
linebacker Mike Wells (6-3, 215) were
honorable mention all-region picks. Wells
is just a junior. Overall, Sahuaro has lots
of size, with the likes of Sean McGlothlin
(230), Robert Edminson (250), Andy
Gaspano (285) and Cole Van Winkle
(255) hired to protect the quarterback.
The Cougars open on Thursday, Sept. 2
at Tucson Sabino.

Lately, Tucson Sunnyside has
moved up and down in classification like a
yo yo. This year the Blue Devils, armed
with 19 returning players, look ready to
make a run at the 4A playoffs. Three
players, running back Wesley Minter, cor-
ner Hank Urena and linebacker Estaban
Galindo picked up a few all-region votes.
Minter, a 5-8, 155-pound scatback, car-
ried the ball a lot, like 250 times for 950
yards. He’s just a junior. Six other sopho-
mores lettered, including potential quar-
terback Anthony Cunes, kicker Tony
Diaz, halfback David Coronado, end O.J.
Flores, guard Fabian Galvez and end
Ralph Gallegos. Anthony Valenzuela (6-5,

Crass 4A
Top 20 POLL

1. Tucson Sahuaro
2. Scottsdale Chaparral
3. Glendale Cactus
4. Glendale Apollo
. Flagstaff Sinagua
. Phoenix Washington
. Tucson Sunnyside
. Phoenix Thunderbird
. Marana Mountain View
. Tempe Union
. Phoenix Moon Valley
. Phoenix Greenway
. Page
. Tucson Desert View
. Scottsdale Coronado
. Tolleson
17. Peoria Centennial
18. Phoenix Cortez
19. Phoenix Sunnyslope
20. Mingus Union

300) is one of four returning interior line-
men.

Although Palo Verde lost 15 starters
to graduation, Todd Mayfield’s forces
could make a run for it again. The Titans
won nine straight games before dropping
a late November game to Sahuaro and a
playoff contest with Phoenix Cortez.
Their 9-2 finish was the school’s best
since 1973. Halfback Patrick Rogers (5-7,
170), an all-league pick, gained over 600
yards. He also plays in the secondary,
possibly the Titans’ strongest position.
Adrian Fernandez, James Demadeira,
Nick Cutlip and Rogers constitute the sec-
ondary. Linebacker Arnulfo Bonillas,
along with tackles Sergio Padilla (6-2,
220) and Matt Engstrom (5-10, 260) are
the meat of the defense. In fact, Palo
Verde led the region in defense last fall,
yielding just 171.5 yards per game.

Marana was another surprise playoff
team. The Tigers dropped a first round
game to Glendale Apollo, 28-0. But
seven wins was a big lift, and 13 under-
classmen contributed - including five
sophomores. Quarterback Rion Westfall
(6-0, 173) and tackle Frank Ulibarri (6-1,

arizona football ‘99

255) are three-year lettermen. Westfall
passed for over 700 yards and seven
touchdowns. Halfback Oleaun
Underwood (6-0, 185), a sprinter on the
track team, played as a sophomore. Mike
Evans (6-0, 212) is the center, while little
Adam Campillo (5-8, 148) handles the
kicking.

Hopefully, experience will finally pay
off for Cholla, winless in ‘98. The
Chargers’ ranks look thin, but several key
players return, including all-Sonoran tack-
le John Hyatt (6-2, 220), linebacker Doug
Reese (6-0, 195) and two-way guard
Richard Cervantes (6-1, 210), all part of a
talented ‘97 sophomore class.
Unfortunately Cholla, which hasn't had
consecutive winning seasons since 1987-
88, gives up too much real estate. That
needs to be corrected. They gave up
324.9 yards per game and a ton of
points,

Throughout its storied past, Douglas
has taken more hits than a bad prize
fighter. The Bulldogs started six sophs
and a freshman in the last three games.
“We're still young, but a little more expe-
rienced,” claims Abe Grijalva, who sees
his team more competitive. Quarterback
Rene Sanchez (5-9, 170) and linebacker
Peter Limon (6-2, 225) are the key play-
ers. Sanchez completed 55 of 148 passes
for 788 yards and seven strikes. He was
intercepted 10 times. Limon, just a junior,
also plays fullback. Junior Richard
Martinez (5-9, 170) is a tough little guard.
Tackle Rene Nunez (6-2, 210), linebacker
Steve Rascon (6-0, 200) and deep backs
Marquez Tadeo and Donny Huisch are
the heart and soul of the Dogs’ defense.

4A SKYLINE REGION

. Glendale Apollo (11-1)

. Phoenix Thunderbird (7-4)

. Sunnyslope (6-4)

Lake Havasu (3-7)

. Cave Creek Cactus Shadows (9-3)
. Buckeye (1-9)

. Glendale (4-6)

NAORWONHE

Graduation took a big chunk out of
Apollo’s armor, especially after all-state
fullback Nick Mangosing took his diploma
to Purdue. But no school in this region
can match the Hawks’ recent success (22-
2 in two years), and Coach Gregg Parrish
likes his ‘99 class. He'd like it even better
if a quarterback steps forward. “Our line
will be strong and experienced, so we'll
go as far as our quarterback takes us,”
says Parrish, who hasn't lost a regular
season game since October of ‘96. Big
Martin Lopez (6-6, 300) anchors on the

page 33

- Bb 2 oo, 3
igi ere stare 7% G,

roto

NICK MANGOSING * } ; i " BEN BOWLEN
All-State Fullback 2, einen All-Region Lineman

Back-to-Back Skyline Region Champions

APOLLO HIGH SCHOOL
“The Tradition Continues!”

1998 1997
SKYLINE CHAMPIONS SKYLINE CHAMPIONS
(11-1-0) (11-1-0)

HAWKS 28, Flagstaff 6 HAWKS 287, Flagstaff 17
HAWKS 41, Prescott 7 HAWKS 44, Prescott O
HAWKS 50, Saguaro O HAWKS 30, Saguaro 15
HAWKS 21, Washington 6 HAWKS 35, Washington 10
HAWKS 63, Buckeye 7 HAWKS 49, Lake Havasu 18
HAWKS 31, Thunderbird 23 HAWKS 70, Thunderbird 87
HAWKS 28, Sunnyslope 7 HAWKS 48, Sunnyslope 14
HAWKS 428, Greenway 41 (OT) HAWKS 42, Greenway 6
HAWKS 41, Glendale 21 HAWKS 48, Glendale O
HAWKS 41, Lake Havasu 28 HAWKS 49, Buckeye 6
Playoffs: Playoffs:
HAWKS 28, Marana O HAWKS 51, Cortez 28
HAWKS 21, Cortez 37 HAWKS 26, Mingus Union 38

Sponsored by Apollo Hawk Football Fans & Boosters
Glendale Apollo High School

8045 N. 47th Ave., Glendale, 85302, Phone: (602) 455-6525

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

line. With center Ryan Heyer (6-1, 235),
tight end Eric Oless (6-3, 235), guard
Mike Varela (5-10, 210) and Lopez in the
lineup, the Hawks are as good as you can
get up front. Wingback/defensive back
Derrek Shank (6-0, 185), with 4.5 speed,
was an all-region pick at both positions.
He had three TDs on returns, gained 566
yards from scrimmage and caught 11
passes for 272 yards. Tailback Dominique
Morning (5-11, 165) managed 467 yards
on 70 carries. Justin Cooper (5-9, 166)
gained 556 yards and scored six TDs.
Young DeMarcus Green (5-9, 165) gained
353 yards as a sophomore. Jason
Newman (6-0, 170) was a second team
all-region safety. Young Jack Ramirez
returns to do the kicking. The Hawks
open Sept. 10 at Scottsdale Chaparral.

Thunderbird should be competitive
again, with quick skill players and help
from an unbeaten junior varsity. Coach
Gary Mauldin - two wins shy of 100 -
returns seven defensive starters, including
two-way back Marcus Parker (6-1, 195,
4.5), a dangerous kick returner. All-league
linebacker Rick Newman (5-11, 220)
made 46 unassisted tackles and six sacks,
as did tackle Nels Van Peursen (6-2, 265).
Linebacker Steve Custer (5-9, 210) looks
better than ever. Junior quarterback Mike
Jones (6-3, 190) led the JV squad
through a 9-0 season. He'll be pushed by
last year’s backup, senior Jason Lowry.
Juniors Robbie Jones and Tanner
Linsacum, good two-way players, should
start. A good spring with over 80 partici-
pants will give the Chiefs depth.

It was back-to-back 6-4 seasons at
Sunnyslope, where coach Dallas
Hickman started a freshman quarterback
who performed well. Young Mike Nixon
(6-1, 180) completed 57 of 145 passes
for 848 yards and five TDs. He threw
only five interceptions and does the
team’s kicking. “We'll be real young,
since we graduated 20 players,” says
Hickman, who returns several good skill
players. Halfback Adam Harnes (5-10,
180) gained 901 yards on 171 carries
and scored seven TDs. He caught 18
passes for 217 yards. Tight end Casey
Naylor (6-2, 210) averaged 14.0 yards
per catch. Fullback R.C. Matock (6-2,
185) gained 412 yards and averaged 8.8
yards per carry. The rest of the skill play-
ers hang out on the defensive side of the
ball, including deep backs Robert Peay
and Armand Woodson, along with line-
backer Travis Tomich.

The most improved team might be
Lake Havasu, where Ken Edmunds and
his staff return 10 starters. “We lost some

arizona football ‘99

Cougar receiver hard for region

rival to catch

During a 40-19 win over Bourgade Catholic last year, Phoenix Christian receiver
Rick Huisman caught 12 passes from quarterback Mark Tefteller for a state record
335 yards. Below are the state’s all-time single game receiving leaders:

335 - Rick Huisman, Phoenix Christian vs Phoenix Bourgade, 1998
325 - Clifton Jones, Florence vs Superior, 1995 (jn)

321 - Mike Funk, Hopi vs Bagdad, 1988

318 - Bryan Marshall, Hopi vs Valley Sanders, 1988 (so)

315 - Mark Marcos, Peoria Centennial vs Mingus Union, 1997

313 - Mike Funk, Hopi vs Monument Valley, Utah, 1988

304 - Dennis Tate, Tucson vs Tucson Sunnyside, 1972

302 - Pete Klaass, Paradise Valley vs Phoenix Sunnyslope, 1983
299 - Mike Funk, Hopi vs Queen Creek, 1988

296 - Larry Bandura, Scottsdale vs Mesa, 1971

292 - John Mistler, Tucson Sahuaro vs Tucson Sabino, 1975 (jn

289 - Bryan Marshall, Hopi vs Zuni, N.M., 1988 (so)

258 - Jimmy Conner, Phoenix Greenway vs Phoenix Cortez, 1998
257 - Caine Palone, Winterhaven San Pasqual vs Maricopa, 1997
255 - Brian Ruede, Phoenix Brophy Prep vs Phoenix Maryvale, 1989

games we probably should have
won, "says the second year coach. “But
we hung together.” Center/defensive
tackle Bobby Masche (6-2, 260) is the
main man, an all-region pick at both posi-
tions. Overall, four different Knights
earned post-season honors, including
wingback Ben Smith (6-0, 190), defensive
end Leonard Hubbard (6-3, 240) and
tackle Zane Porter (6-2, 240). Senior
quarterback Tim Bohnstedt (6-4, 185) is
the field general. Little Jerry Meyer (5-8,
170) is a good two-way back. James
Whitehead (6-0, 210) leads at linebacker.
Fast growing Cactus Shadows,
always competitive, moves up to 4A ball
with 14 leftovers from a 9-3 playoff club.
Quarterback Dirk Walker (5-11, 180),
one of the school’s best athletes, complet-
ed 68 passes for 1,051 yards and 18
touchdowns. He rushed for 922 yards on
99 carries and picked off five passes as a
safety. Mini-back Jason Pflanz (5-7, 165)
gained 1,190 yards on 172 carries and
scored 26 touchdowns - sixth best in the
state. Three of his scores came on punt
returns. Wideout Ryan Miller (6-1, 185)
caught 35 passes for 565 yards and
seven TDs. So far he has 70 catches for
966 yards and 15 scores. He intercepted
six passes as a defensive back. Entering
the new league, the Falcons look solid up
front, with down linemen like David
Cohee, T.C. Hutton, Chris Khan and
Ryan Clement ready to go. “Moving up
will be a huge challenge,” says Gerry

LaBelle, in his 15th year at the Cave
Creek school. “We look forward to an
interesting year.”

Young Buckeye played seven playoff
teams and the results were predictable.
This year Rudy Pacheco sees a much
improved club with several key starters
back. “Still, we need to improve our
defense to become more competitive,”
says the veteran coach. In the past two
years, all-region back Todd McCrae (5-9,
215) has gained 1,700 yards from scrim-
mage. McCrae and guard Jordan John (5-
9, 200) are three year varsity players.
Junior running back Frank Drew (5-9,
205) gained 600 yards last year, giving
the Hawks a good one-two punch. Tyler
Cooper (5-10, 205) is the center. Tackle
Mike Santellan (5-10, 230) and guard
Albert Uriz (5-9, 220) started. So did
defensive ends Jake Wyman (5-9, 185)
and Jake Blackston (6-3, 185), guard
Nate Armstrong (5-9, 190), along with
deep backs Jake Hightower (6-0, 160)
and Nick Sylvester (6-0, 160). Mike Yuen
could get the call at quarterback.

Senior dominated Glendale improved
to 4-6, then graduation cleaned out the
lineup’s best players. The Cardinals were
winless one year earlier. Still, returning
quarterback Ben Tanner (5-10, 160) is a
good scrambler, and halfback Jeremiah
Trotter (5-10, 160) is a long range threat.
Both start in the Cards’ secondary.

page 35

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

arizona football ‘99

4A DESERT SKY REGION
. Phoenix Washington (6-4)

. Phoenix Moon Valley (6-5)

. Phoenix Greenway (6-5)

. Phoenix Cortez (10-3)

. Prescott (6-4)

. Glendale Independence (3-7)
. Bradshaw Mountain (0-10)

NDAORWNH

If things go according to plan,
Washington will work its way back to
the top. The Rams should dethrone Moon
Valley as region champs, but plans often
go awry in high school football. Veteran
coach Steve Chisman (85-45-4) has three
talented three-year starters in the lineup:
Linebackers Sam Jacobs (5-10, 215) and
Patt Allen (5-11, 170), and halfback
Cameron Norwood (6-2, 205). Jacobs is
a two-time all-region pick, Allen is a tal-
ented run support and pass coverage
player, and Norwood had four 100-yard
games last year. Dan Crellin (5-11, 175)
gets the nod at quarterback. In fact, with
Marty Monroy, Jon Balli, Dan Thornburg,
Brett Irwin and Chris Giboney in the line-
up, Washington has a solid senior class.
But the Rams may start four juniors on
the line.

Roger Briston takes over at Moon
Valley, where the always strong Rockets
lasted one round into the playoffs.
Twenty-two players, lots of whom played,
return from a surprise club which finished
strong and won the region. “We should
have a solid football team,” warns
Briston. He's probably right, especially
with three all-region picks back. Guard
Matt Schwander (6-4, 325), defensive end
Matt Graves (6-0, 235), and kicker Dan
Isreal (6-1, 187) earned all-region votes.
Safety Jason Pool (6-2, 180), receiver
Jared Kim (5-10, tackle Nate Gibbs (6-4,
270), end Brian Tapia (6-3, 230) and tail-
back C.R. Davis (6-1, 175) can play. The
latter three are juniors.

Greenway should be better defensive-
ly, but needs to reload on offense and
play more ball control. Mike Brown's club
lost to Chaparral twice, the last time in
the state playoffs, 44-26. Linebacker
Andy Wilberscheid (5-11, 180) led the
team in tackles (92). Linebacker Matt
Nalette (5-10, 185) was second (75).
Center Mike Clevenger (5-11, 190) and
guard Tim Wilson (6-1, 250) were the
most consistent linemen. Add tight end
Justin Walker (6-3, 230), and junior tack-
les Matt Hartsook (6-4, 265) and Chris
Retts (6-3, 240), and Greenway has a
beefy front wall. Deep back Chris Conner
(5-9, 155) had 45 tackles and four inter-
ceptions. Linebacker Zach Corum and

Josh Thomas
Tempe

Austin Sendlein
Chaparral

safety Wes Smith should start. Jeremy
Copeland and junior Matt Cutts could
share quarterback duties.

Vito Maynes, a former assistant at
Greenway and Maryvale, takes over at
Cortez, where the Colts return 14 play-
ers from a semifinalist club. “We've got a
good nucleus, with talent at the skill posi-
tions,” says the first-year varsity coach.
“But in this business you have to have a
line.” The best lineman on campus is two-
way tackle Andy Heikkila (6-5, 250), an
all-league pick. Graduation basically
cleaned out the rest of the line. With 4.5
speed, two-way back Sherome
Weatherspoon (5-11, 180) could be one
of the best in the region. On either side
of the ball. Jerome Pittman (6-1, 170), a
receiver/safety last year, could see time at
quarterback. He’s probably the best ath-
lete in the junior class. Last year the Colts
won 10 games before running into
Tucson Sabino’s well-oiled machine.

At Prescott, line play looks like a
strength. Coach Lou Beneitone has good
size up front and a quick backfield. The
Badgers missed the playoffs by one game.
Twenty lettermen return, including Josh
Conner, a key figure in the attack who
plays three different positions. He runs
(505 yards), plays a solid game at line-
backer and handles the Badgers’ punting.
The 5-9, 195-pound senior bench presses
340 pounds and squats 450. Junior Tony
Demark (6-2, 185) looks to start at quar-
terback, with senior Roy Madrid in
reserve. Both play in the secondary.
Junior running back Alex Centefonte
could start. But the key to the Badgers’ is
in the line, where Nate Ullyot (6-2, 280),
Cody Zandt (6-5, 290) and Will Turner
(6-0, 245) hang out.

This just might be the year
Independence starts to turn the corner.
At least Kelly Epley and his staff hope so.
The Patriots return more than their share
of good players, starting with all-league
lineman Norman Wellington (6-3, 235), a
senior who recorded 75 tackles, five

sacks, three blocked kicks and two fumble
recoveries. Junior Chris Mauzey (5-9,
175) gained 915 yards on 125 carries
(7.3) and scored nine touchdowns.
Independence hasn't had two players like
this for some time. Wideout Chris
McCreery (5-9, 175) should take heat off
the running game. Danny Jaramillo (6-1,
215) is a capable tight end who also plays
linebacker. Jeromy McDonald (6-5, 285)
and Kevin Appleby (5-11, 235) anchor an
improved line.

It could be another bumpy ride for
Brandshaw Mountain. However the
Bears, winless last fall, return two honor-
able mention all-region picks, safety Greg
Burke and lineman Kellan Eckle, who
happens to be a good basketball player as
well. Kyle Voris, Chris Delguidice, Tom
Czarnowski and Tony Gray played a sig-
nificant amount last year.

4A EAST SKY REGION

. Scottsdale Chaparral (10-2)
. Tempe Union (6-4)

. Scottsdale Coronado (2-8)
. Apache Junction (5-5)

. Scottsdale Arcadia (3-7)

. Scottsdale Saguaro (1-9)

. Mesa Skyline

NOAOBWNHE

It was frustrating at Chaparral, where
the Firebirds lost to the eventual state
champ for the second year in a row. Last
year Tucson Sabino ended a good season
in the 4A quarterfinals. Still, the Firebirds
look solid at most positions, especially in
the backfield, where hard running Josh
Griffin (5-10, 185) gained 1,720 yards on
178 carries (9.7) and scored 27 touch-
downs, including two on kickoff returns.
He sprinted 90 yards from scrimmage for
a score against Tempe. “Griffin can run,
but we need to throw,” says veteran
coach Ron Estabrook. “Our quarterback
spot needs some work.” That position
looks competitive, though, with Ryan
Benscoter, J.T. Mezick and Steve
Fleming, a 6-6, 215-pound transfer, capa-
ble leaders. The Firebirds line is second to
none, with Alex Lazar (6-0, 265), Mark
Bell (6-4, 220), Brad Reisner (5-11, 210)
and Nick larrobino (6-2, 215) ready to
go. Defensively, all-state linebacker Austin
Sendlein (6-3, 235) had a school record
127 tackles. He and Brad Pepe (6-1,
210) are two tough ‘backers. Erin Bass
(5-10, 175) is a small but tough defensive
end. Scott Lane was an all-city kicker.
Young Dustin Ireland played a backup
role at running back and averaged 5.5
yards per carry. He’s only a junior.

Tempe Union, with six sophomores

page FEL

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

in the starting lineup, got off to an 0-3
start, but finished with six wins in the vic-
tory column. Coach Tim McBurney
returns 14 starters, and a tough non-
region schedule should get the Buffaloes
ready for league play. Defensive end
dared Wolfgramm (6-5, 215) is the main
man, with 62 assisted tackles, seven
blocked passes, six QB sacks and one
blocked kick. He doubles at tight end.
Tackle David Torrez (6-2, 240) was an all-
region pick. Tight end Josh Thomas
(12.0 ypc), fullback Jesse Morales, guard
Joe Jenkins, wideout Joe Larkin, tackle
Ryan Clark, defensive back Dwayne
Briggs, linebacker Richard Galvin, center
Shannon Clark, tackle Ryan Baker, tackle
Robert Ansley and fullback/linebacker
Troy Wolfgramm all started. The Buffs’
opener is a dandy, Sept. 10 with
Glendale Cactus.

Don't give up on Coronado just yet.
The Dons, 2-8 for the first time ever,
look stronger, with a better balance
between ground and air attacks. All-
league receiver Joseph Durbin (6-1, 175),
an all-state baseball player, caught 34
passes for 707 yards (20.9) and nine
touchdowns. Quarterback James
O'Connor (6-1, 185) completed 121 of
160 passes (76%) for 1,085 yards. The
defense, with Durbin in the secondary,
looks better, too. Linebacker Robert
Barker (6-0, 180) and junior tackle John
Stimbert (6-2, 250) join Derek Bair, Aldo
Valenzuela and Mario Quintana to give
the Dons a lift.

For the first time in 10 years, Apache
Junction batted .500 on the football
field. “We have a bunch of hard working,
young players who have a goal of reach-
ing the playoffs,” says Steve Neal. “We
are improving.” Tight end Jason Perry (6-
3, 195), guard Mike Wilson (5-11, 230),
wideout Anthony Kramer (6-0, 160) and
center Brandon Abreu (5-10, 200) are
three-year letter winners. Perry was an
all-region pick. Defensive back Kirk
Anderson, quarterback Josh Winn and
guard Leo Hernandez are juniors who
could start.

Jake Berry, a 6-2, 240-pound all-
region offensive lineman, heads a small
class of returners at Scottsdale
Arcadia, which struggled to win three
games. Two more Titans, defensive back
Chase Kron (5-8, 155), an all-city second
team pick, and junior kicker Jaret
Johnson hope to improve the situation,
which looks bleak. Fullback Bill
McCasland and guard Greg Earlbaum
played.

Stuart Goldstein, former head coach

at Phoenix Carl Hayden, takes over at
Saguaro, where a steady enrollment
decline has taken a big toll. Four years
ago the Sabercats had one of the best
teams in the state, regardless of class.
But the birth of nearby Desert Mountain
has done more harm than good. Only
one ‘Cat, punter/place kicker Nagui
Sabbagh (5-9, 160), a soccer player,
returns with post season honors. One
skill player, running back/linebacker
Nolan Woolfolk (5-11, 188), could be a
three-year starter. But he can't do it
alone.

Mark Swartz, an assistant the past five
years at Red Mountain, takes over at
Mesa Skyline, the new kid on the East
Sky block. The Coyotes will experience
growing pains, but should improve with
time. A small senior class, led by quarter-
back Pat Ramos (5-11, 170) and wideout
Mike McGee (6-0, 175), needs to take
charge early. Juniors like Chris Bates,
Randy Mairena, Jose Carreon and Matt
Bock could all start on the defensive side
of the ball.

4A WEST VALLEY REGION
1. Glendale Cactus (11-1)

. Sunrise Mountain (3-7)

. Tolleson (7-4)

. Peoria Centennial (4-6)

. Avondale Agua Fria (12-2)

. Bullhead City Mohave (0-10)
. Goodyear Millennium

NAOH WM

Larry Fetkenhier is all smiles again at
Cactus, and for good reason. The veter-
an coach returns more than half his var-
sity roster from a near perfect playoff
squad, including one of the best quarter-
backs in the Valley. Senior Jon Stoner
(6-2, 190), a good college prospect, can
kill you running or passing. So far the
Cobras’ ace has completed 232 of 415
passes (56%) for 4,093 yards and 42
touchdowns. He's gained 1,157 yards
from scrimmage on 234 carries (4.9) and
scored 30 times. In other words, as a
varsity player, Stoner has accounted for
72 touchdowns at the most important
position on the field. Speedy receivers
Matt Allen (6-0, 168), Ed Grigsby (5-10,
168) and Adam Cohen (6-4, 175) caught
79 passes for 1,589 yards and 20 touch-
downs between them. Grigsby averaged
a whopping 25.3 yards per catch - best
in the state among wideouts. Center
Adrian Zvirgzdins (6-3, 271) and guard
Brandon Vanbuskirk (6-2, 281) started.
So did linebacker Brett Lloyd (6-2, 208),
‘backer Dustin Randolph (6-2, 231),
safety Casey Fetkenhier (6-0, 205), and

arizona football ‘99

deep backs James Thompson (5-10,
165) and Trevor Heid (6-3, 170).
Depth is a strength. Andy Hann,
Anthony Franco, Eduardo Preciado,
Dan McConnell, Nick Schultz and
Logan West all tip the scales at 200-
plus pounds. “It was a great season,”
says Fetkenhier, referring to last year’s
11-1 campaign. “But it wasn’t what
we wanted at the end. We should be
fun to watch this year.” The Cobras
playoff wagon fell apart in the quarter-
finals, 44-14 against Flagstaff Sinagua.

Coach Bill Gahn at Sunrise
Mountain feels his team can make a
run at the playoffs, and rightfully so.
The Mustangs return 36 varsity players
- most in the region - including first-
team all-league tight end Aaron Walls,
a good college prospect. Quarterback
Bert Anzini (5-9, 160) runs the
Mustangs’ Wing-T, along with halfback
Dustin Phillips, wideout Justin
Andreen, and down linemen Josh
Cameron, Mark Norman, David
Pickering and Paul Popoff, 220-
pounders all. Speedy Andrea Sneed
returns to the secondary. Mike Batz
and Beau Raptis are capable lineback-
ers. The Mustangs managed three wins
without a senior in the lineup.

The pieces are falling into place at
Tolleson, where the Wolverines won
seven games for the first time since
1987. In fact, Tolleson played high fly-
ing Tucson Sahuaro tough in the play-
off's first round, but fell 34-20. “We
led at the half, but five second half
turnovers ended our season,” says Dan
Widmaier. Although they lost 17 sen-
iors, eight sophomores played on the
varsity. The Wolverines could surprise
people. Two-way back Mike Bell (6-0,
185), guard Jose Figueroa (6-0, 210),
tackle Xavier Barajas (5-10, 220), tack-
le Dan Balke (5-10, 240), and fullback
Bud Norman (5-9, 200) are key
returning starters, along with all-region
safety Antwan Hooks, a 5-10, 170-
pound junior. Junior Charles Hopkins
and Tom Robles should start on the
line.

At Centennial, Richard Taylor
should have good special teams, a
strong ground attack and a much
improved defense. Last year the
Coyotes averaged 22.8 points but gave
up more. “Lots of young players got
valuable experience,” says Taylor, who
started 16 underclassmen. Tailback
Jimmy Labita (5-9, 165) gained 1,130
yards on 134 carries and scored eight
TDs. Punter Mark Mangum (5-11,

page 37

arizona football ‘9q

175) averaged 35.0 yards, with the longest
65 yards. Defensive back Jason Bove (5-9,
160) was fourth on the team in tackles. All
three picked up all-region votes. Junior
Jerry Hall (5-10, 183) gained 609 yards
and scored six times. Linebacker Scott
Krumpos (5-11, 201) made 74 tackles.
Place kicker Jim Sidler was 25/27 on
PATs and 3/3 on FGs, with the longest 37
yards. Center Ryan Dempsey (5-11, 242),
guard Jeremy Bauer (5-11, 212) and tack-
le Dan Gray (6-0, 221) all started. Two
transfers, Doug Hall and Ryan Hardy,
could start. Hall might be the Coyotes’
quarterback. Hardy is a 240-pound guard.

Last year, Agua Fria might have set
some sort of record in Arizona high school
football. At no time during the Owls’ 14-
game trip to the 4A finals did one under-
classman catch or carry the ball from the
line of scrimmage. Graduation almost
cleaned them out. However, two key play-
ers return. All-region place kicker Sergio
Sausedo (5-10, 166) had lots of practice.
His 78 extra points led the state.
Defensive back Lamar Baker (6-0, 177,
4.4), one of the region's best athletes,
made almost 70 solo tackles. In track,
Baker ran impressive sprint times of 10.85
and 22.16. He’s played on the Owls’ var-
sity for three years. But the region’s new
school, Millennium, will cut into Agua
Fria’s talent pool. Coach Ron Frank will
build from the ground up with underclass-
men at every position. Center Josh
Fleshman (6-1, 195) and tackle Dan Black
(5-10, 270) anchor the Tigers’ offensive
line, with young backs like Justin Lee,
Chris Mays and Mike Rankin at the skill
positions. Cornelius Lamb and Dan Villa
are capable receivers.

It was a tough start for first-year coach
Mark Ruckle at Mohave. The
Thunderbirds struggled with a young team,
but look improved. “The West Valley is a
tough league, but we're excited about this
year,” says Ruckle. “Our kids gained lots of
experience.” Three-year letter winner Joe
Ramos (5-11, 165) starts at quarterback.
Mini-back/receiver Tom Messina (5-6,155)
was an honorable mention all-league pick.
Tackle Pete Mills (6-4, 315) anchors the
‘Birds line. Backs like Ken Hutchinson,
Shannon Fernandez, Jess Brister and
Justin David will carry the ball. Players like
Scott Hess, Brent Hawkes, Josh Johnson,
Mike Barker and Daryl Staley will compete
for starting line positions.

4A GRAND CANYON REGION
1. Flagstaff Sinagua (11-2)
2. Page (4-6)

Jeremiah Miller
Sinagua

Dusty Tissaw
Coconino

3. Cottonwood Mingus Union (4-6)
4. Flagstaff Coconino (4-6) )

5. Flagstaff (6-5)

6. Chinle (1-9)

Sinagua was one game away from Sun
Devil Stadium. The Mustangs, coached by
Ed Campos, lost only twice in 13 weeks -
to the same team. Agua Fria. The Owls
knocked them out in the opener, then elim-
inated them in the semifinals. “Let's face it,
they were a better team,” says the
Mustangs’ head coach. The ‘99 game plan
starts at tailback with Jermain Miller, whose
production was down but the results were
the same. Wins. The 6-0, 185-pound sen-
ior, a 46-foot triple jumper in the spring,
gained 1,480 yards and scored 24 touch-
downs. His best game was 209 yards
against Bradshaw Mountain. In two years
of varsity play, Miller has 3,387 yards and
57 touchdowns to his credit. Linebacker
Ryan Robinson (5-11, 205), the team’s
leading tackler, could start at quarterback.
Jarod Smith (5-10, 215) is another good
‘backer. Joe Gossman (6-0, 170), an all-city
defensive back, averaged 16.3 yards on
kick returns. But the key to the Mustangs’
season could be these three players: Greg
Gandler (5-11, 225), Jake Wigman (6-1,
215) and Chris Lewis (6-0, 205), the meat
of the offensive line. Jason and David
Shafer, Dan Planeta, Jake Watson and
Andrew Johnson are additional players
who should start.

Look for Page to be in the hunt. The
Sand Devils, coached by Mike Proctor, lost
four league games by a total of 12 points.
Two were in overtime. All-league back
Bryan Varner (5-8, 155) gained 987 yards
on 191 carries and scored 20 touchdowns.
Quarterback Jeremy Bohn (6-1, 185) com-
pleted 85 passes for 1,195 yards and nine
TDs. He’s also a good punter. Wideout
Philip Napolitan (6-1, 170) caught 34 pass-
es for 500 yards and three scores. Junior
Jonas Settz (5-11, 225) will start at full-

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

back. Kip Earlywine (6-3, 225),
Darren Kristofic (6-3, 220) and
Brandon Saliego (5-11, 225) are key
figures on the offensive line. Deep
backs Durral Whitehorse and Jarrod
Fredrickson are good defenders.

Graduation cleaned out the cup-
board at Mingus Union last year
and the results were predictable. One
year removed from a state champi-
onship, first-year coach Mike
Epperson saw his team struggle
through a 4-6 campaign. But the
Marauders should be improved. As
always, they will be big and physical.
One, guard Mike Coffey (5-10, 220),
earned all-league notice as a sopho-
more, All-league safety Robert
Stokes (5-10, 180), the squad’s quar-
terback, played varsity ball as a
freshman. Cody Backus, Brig Taylor
and Mike Lyons are good skill play-
ers. But the road to improvement
starts on the line, with Ryan Spude
(6-4, 265), James Mickelson (6-4,
270), Josh Covin (6-0, 215) and
Mark Lamer (5-11, 220) typical
Marauder big bodies. Mingus opens
on the road against Tucson Sahuaro,
the state's top rated club.

George Moate enters his 10th
year at Coconino with four all-
region players from a better than
average squad which lost too many
close games. Four young Panthers,
led by tailback Bruce Branch, paint a
rosy picture. The 6-1, 195-pound
Branch rushed for 1,041 yards as a
sophomore. He made 43 solo tack-
les at linebacker. Running mate
Corrin Johns (6-0, 195), another
junior, returns after a shoulder injury.
Back Shane Miller (5-11, 175)
picked off three passes in the sec-
ondary, and starts at flanker. Little
Josh Roybal (5-8, 150) is another
two-way standout. Defenders Dusty
Tissaw (6-2, 250) and Joey
Canizales (5-8, 160) were among the
leaders in tackles. Darren Young,
Carlos Garcia and Sterling Smith
should start.

Graduation took a big chunk out
of the offense at Flagstaff, which
reached the playoffs, only to be
steamrolled by Agua Fria. Still, the
Eagles return several key players,
like second team all-region quarter-
back Ron Jerumbo (5-7, 158), one
of the state’s smallest signal callers.
Tackle Keith Buzzard (6-0, 207),
tight end Nick Kwiatkowski (6-2,

pee ——————————

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Saluting our ‘98 Grand Canyon Region CHAMBRE

Coach Campos and the Mustangs produced the best team in Sinagua’s history!

Sponsored by
The Agua Fria 31
Sinagua High School Bradshaw Mountain 0
Sunnyslope 6
‘Touchdown Club Buckeye 0
Sinagua High School Scottsdale Coronado 14

3950 E. Butler Ave.

Flagstatf

(520) 527-5505

Ed Campos/Head Coach

Greg Beauchman/Athletic Director PLAYOFFS:

MUSTANGS 25 Mountain View 14
“Good Luck Mustangs in 1999!” MUSTANGS 44 Glendale Cactus 14
MUSTANGS 6 Agua Fria 20

Congratulations East Sky Region Champs!

LOSS Chaparral

Coach Ron Estabrook’s 1998 Firebirds finished with an impressive 10-2 ledger, winning the 4A East Sky
Region for the second straight year and advancing to the state quarterfinals in the process.

Chaparral High School

Athletic & Academic Excellence

4A Award of Excellence in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999
Four 1998-99 State Championship Teams * Boys & Girls Swimming
@ Girls Tennis © Boys Tennis © Boys Golf @ Baseball
@ Quarterfinals in Football
“One of Arizona’s most successful programs.”

SPONSORED BY CHAPARRAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
dba CHAPARRAL FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

212), running back Jeff Gilsdorf (5-8,

150) and sophomore defensive back Paul

Koubeck (5-7, 145) all started.

4A KINO REGION

1. Marana Mountain View (8-3)
. Tucson Desert View (6-4)

. Catalina Foothills (3-7)

. Tucson Santa Rita (7-3)

. Nogales (3-7)
. Tucson Catalina (3-7)
. Tucson Pueblo (5-5)

NOOB WN

Mountain View returns 19 players
from a solid club which reached the first

round of the playoffs. Seven earned some

kind of post season recognition. The

Lions won't have Sabino to contend with,
so a longer playoff trip might be possible.
Defensive back Kailan Williams (6-1, 170)
and lineman Jermaine Gadson (6-1, 195)

were second team All-Kino picks.
Quarterback Kainoa Akina, kick returner
Jimmy Morales, halfback Richard Hill,

linebacker Ryan Shirley and punter Craig

Christiansen are key returnees.
Last year, only one team from this re-
scrambled league reached the playoffs.

Look for two this year, and Desert View

is a good bet. Coach Jeff Feldman’s club

made a big improvement, from winless to

6-4 in one season. Fourteen starters
return. One, all-region tackle Richard
Rodriguez, is a dandy. The 6-3, 290-
pound senior anchors a line that includes
250-pound Josian Gutierrez, 290-pound
Chris Pina, 220-pound James Jones and
240-pound Jonathan Imes, to name a
few. Receiver Antonio Carranza (6-4,
200) is a big target. The Jaguars need to

find a way to get him the ball more
often. Last year he caught 12 passes
for 293 yards and three TDs. That’s a
24.4 average! Junior Raymond
Granillo (6-2, 205) takes over at quar-
terback. Tony Yost and Pat Pina are
the running backs.

Catalina Foothills could be fac-
ing a winning season. Four years of
4A ball has been unkind to the
Falcons, but a good collection of
experienced players are back. More
than usual. Several all-region picks
return, including halfback Mike
Cadoux (6-1, 170), who gained 637
yards, scored 10 touchdowns and
averaged 7.4 yards per carry.
Defensive lineman Matt Jentgen (6-4,
220), linebacker Jon Mancuso (5-10,
195) and deep back Jeff Welter (5-9,
165) are solid players. Quarterback
dustin Brunker, two-way back Brian
Martin and defensive end Coltere
Lockhart should start.

Senior dominated Santa Rita won
seven games but missed the playoffs.
Almost every key position will be filled
by newcomers, except for the kicking
game, where Chris Jackson returns.
The 6-5, 246-pounder not only han-
dles the Eagles’ punting and place
kicking, but starts on the line. Besides
Johnson, only three returning linemen
tip the scales at 200-plus pounds:
William Abeytsa, Jovan Figueroa and
Michael Wilson. Five sophomores
played.

After a trip to the playoffs two
years ago, the ‘98 season was a let-
down for Nogales. “It will be much

arizona football ‘99

better then last year,” predicts Jim
Paul. “We have a better mixture of
youth and experience.” Split end Eddie
Rosas (6-0, 175) is the big threat, with
48 catches for 808 yards and eight
TDs under his belt. Junior Osvaldo
Ortiz (6-5, 285), an honorable mention
all-region pick, started 10 games. Big
Tim Valenzuela (6-4, 305), a three-year
starter, joins him on the line.
Sophomore Frank Morales (6-2, 185)
is a promising young running back. Phil
Varona and Dan Angulo will compete
at quarterback.

Catalina showed improvement, but
will miss all-state running back Pablo
Henriquez, who took his 1,228 yards
and 18 touchdowns to the University of
Arizona. Lineman Jake Stark, a 6-1,
200-pound senior, looks like the top
returning defender. Junior Dan Irby and
senior Steve Graves, who also plays
wideout, were two key figures in the
Trojans’ secondary.

At Pueblo, head coach Mike
Martinez well be faced with a complete
rebuilding job, but it can’t be much
tougher than the one he faced last
year. The Warriors entered the ‘98 sea-
son with a 26-game losing streak and
dozens of players who had never
played in a winning football game. But
Pueblo won its opener 33-26 over
Catalina Foothills, beat Canyon del Oro
for the first time in 18 years, and fin-
ished 5-5 on the season. But tough
times loom ahead, as the Warriors lost
their entire starting offense and most of
the defense through graduation.

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page 41

arizona football ‘99

- SCHOOL
PA PREVIEW
: }

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

Albert Montoya, Duncan’s leading rusher, is about to be run down by Thatcher’s defense in a 2A East Region mismatch. The

talented Eagles beat Queen Creek in the state finals (Eastern Arizona Courier photo).

BLUE RIDGE WILL BOUNCE BACK

You can’t keep a good dog down.
Better yet, you can’t keep a good fight-
er out of a good fight, Powerhouse Blue
Ridge, coached by Paul Moro, is that
type of fighter. The road to the 3A
championship still goes through
Lakeside, home of the Yellow Jackets.
Winners of 63 consecutive games, Blue
Ridge saw its winning streak come to
an end in the finals, 29-20 against
Payson, played before 3,658 paid fans
at Mesa Community College. In fact,
De LaSalle High in Concord, Ca., was
the only school in America with a
longer active winning streak than Blue
Ridge.

But things have changed a little.
Payson, although thinned out by gradu-
ation, is back in the 3A East. The
region appears to be as strong as ever,
but Coolidge in the south is ready to
challenge for the crown. Always tough
Show Low and Snowflake wait in the
wings. Still, you can count on Moro and
his staff to have the ‘Jackets ready from

page 42°"

the first day of practice to the last day
in November.

3A EAST REGION

. Lakeside Blue Ridge (11-1)
Show Low (9-2)

. Payson (13-0)

Round Valley (6-4)
Snowflake (5-4)

. Holbrook (3-6)

. Whiteriver Alchesay (4-5)

NOORWNE

Some things never change. Blue
Ridge is still the team to beat. Coach
Paul Moro, 144-25-0 (.852) at the White
Mountain school, returns enough good
players and tons of tradition to make
another title run. Some of the better play-
ers in the 3A ranks wear the Purple &
Gold. But at the high school level it starts
at quarterback, and that is still a question
mark. Three-year starter Nate Jackson
picked up his diploma. Defense, as
always, is strong. All-State linebacker
Brian Vozza (6-0, 196) returns. He also

acne

plays fullback. David Sheetz (6-1, 198)
could be the best defensive end in the
region. Josh Salyers (6-2, 250) is an
excellent interior lineman. Tim Merrill (6-
3, 185) is the Jackets’ free safety. Charles
Parkinson (6-0, 180), injured in ‘98,
could be a top-flight back. Brandon
Phillips (6-0, 190), healthy finally, starts
at center. Big Trevor Whipple (6-3, 285)
was a second team all-state tackle, and
linebacker Adam Moro (5-10, 170) was
the leading tackler on the squad.
Sophomore Paul Ensman and incoming
frosh Alex Moro have the tools to com-
pete at quarterback.

Always competitive, Show Low has
averaged nine wins per season since
1996, and has only one thing left to
accomplish at state. Coach Bill Morgan
has two of the better players in the region
on his roster in halfback Jacob Kerr and
defensive end Jeff Adams. Kerr, a 5-10,
180-pound senior, gained 1,169 yards on
119 carries and scored 13 touchdowns.
Strong, he bench presses 330 pounds

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

and squats 500. Adams, a 6-2, 200-
pounder, recorded 12 QB sacks, caused
six fumbles, totaled 109 tackles and inter-
cepted two passes. “He’s the total college
prospect,” says Morgan of Adams, who
set a state record by squatting 570
pounds. The junior class has two all-state
candidates in guard/linebacker Rustin
Genet (6-0, 180) and quarterback Matt
Belchi (6-2, 210). Shain Thomas,
Stephen Wade, D.J. Massey and John
McQuillan, all 200-plus pounders, form a
solid front. Ken Ries, J.R. Pearce, Dan
McNeil, Dustin Cluff and Ben Cheney
return. Cheney looks to start at quarter-
back.

Happy to be back in the 3A East,
Payson looks forward to the challenge.
Fourteen players, including several key
starters, return for the state champs.
“Winning the championship was not a
surprise,” claims Jim Beall. “Our seniors
had set a goal. Beating Blue Ridge was
the icing on the cake.” If defense wins big
games, then the Longhorns are set. All-
state linebacker Jimbo Armstrong (6-2,
202) returns. So does Cade Bradley (5-
11, 180), an all-region defensive end.
Corner Dallin McLaws (5-10, 160) is a
good cover guy. Junior Chase Waldron
(6-0, 210) is a strong two-way tackle. The
offense centers around tailback Tim
Bunting (5-9, 170), a 1,000-yard rusher,
and returning center Brian Zumbro (6-3,
200). Fullback Justin Kaufman (5-9, 180)
gained 460 yards. Kyle Conway (6-1,
185), a champion roper, is ready to take
over at quarterback. Guard Ben Gartner
(5-10, 180) is quick and strong.

Round Valley looks to be more com-
petitive, where first-year coach John
Dryden guided the Elks through a 6-4
season, the school’s best in seven years.
Jeremy Finch (6-1, 190), the starting
quarterback and safety, is the main man.
He has several key players to get the ball
to, including halfback Cory Austin (5-11,
175), tight end Chris Wilson (5-11, 190)
and wideout Mike Cantrell (5-10, 165).
Jeremiah Hall (6-3, 220) is a two-way
tackle. Young Seth Slade (6-1, 190), a
good defensive end, is just a junior.

For the first time in 10 years,
Snowflake missed the playoffs. Youth
contributed to that. Players like Jeff
Reidhead, Aaron Coor, Shane VanDeren,
David McCray and Brandt Nikolaus, last
year sophomores, saw action on the var-
sity. But the best player appears to be
two-way performer Jared Papa, a 6-0,
180-pound senior who doubles at half-
back and linebacker. Size is a weakness.
Only two returning linemen tip the scales

Ciass 3A
Top 20 POLL

1. Lakeside Blue Ridge
2. Coolidge
3. Show Low
4. Payson
5. Fountain Hills
6. Ganado
7. Round Valley
8. Safford
9. Wickenburg
10. Snowflake
11. Parker
12. Eloy Santa Cruz
13. River Valley
14. Globe
15. Sahuarita
16. Chandler Seton Catholic
17. Chino Valley
18. Holbrook
19. San Manuel
20. Arizona Boys Ranch

at 200-plus pounds.

Injuries and disciplinary problems
caused Holbrook’s losing record more
so than the opposition. “The beginning of
the season was more indicative of our
team than the end,” says Dain
Thompson, who enters his third year.
Matthew Castillo (6-2, 180), an all-region
defensive back, will move from quarter-
back to halfback. He’s too good a runner
not to, although he passed for 382 yards
against Tuba City Greyhills. Mike Sullivan
(6-0, 180) will move from guard to full-
back. If this works, the Roadrunners’ run-
ning game will improve drastically.
Sullivan is just a junior. Sophomore Eric
Tyler steps in at quarterback. Seniors
Ryan Clark and Scott Saiz are veteran
guards. Junior Julius Ohlson starts at
flanker. Transfer Earlwin Thomas (6-1,
200), a two-way lineman, is a welcome
addition.

3A SOUTH REGION
1. Coolidge (8-3)
2. Safford (10-2)
3. Eloy Santa Cruz (3-6)

arizona football ‘99

4. Globe (3-6)
5. Sahuarita (3-5)
6. Arizona Boys Ranch (5-4)

It's been 15 years since a school from
this region won the state championship.
In fact, the last to do so was Coolidge in
1984. Recently, the Bears have come
close. Blue Ridge has knocked them out
of the state tournament twice - last year
19-16. One of the Bears’ defeats came at
Payson, 14-7 to the eventual state
champs. “We have a good number of
players back, with above average speed,”
says John Kashner. “If we can keep them
eligible we have a chance to be very
good.” Indeed they do, especially with all-
state defensive back Lee Wheeler in the
lineup. The 5-11, 185-pound burner,
with 4.4 speed, is a good college
prospect, and also starts at quarterback.
Senior Preston Reece (5-11, 185) isa
1,000-yard back. Over 20 varsity letter-
men return, with linebacker Chris Tapia,
deep back Mike Smith, end Travis
Weurtz, guard Mike Knight and tackle
Ryan James additional key players.

Safford’s string of nine straight trips
to the playoffs should continue. The
Bulldogs, beaten by Payson in the semifi-

nals, could be back if

somebody steps up

at quarterback. “I can’t tell you which way

we will go this year,”

says Ken Guzik,

who has won 75% o

his games since

1985. “So much depends upon our quar-
terback situation.” Each play starts at cen-
ter and the ‘Dogs are set at that position,
with 6-3, 250-pound senior B.J. Nelson.
Ernie Gutierrez (6-0, 235), a two-way
tackle, was an all-region pick, along with
Nelson. Wideout Everson Turner (6-2,
175), with 4.6 speed, is the home run
threat. A good long jumper in track, he
also starts in the secondary. Wade Estrada
(5-11, 175) is another good receiver.
John Merino (6-2, 202) is a solid defen-
sive end. But the key player this year
might be senior Louie Rios (6-0, 180). If
he improves at quarterback the ‘Dogs
could be right back in the playoff race.
Eloy Santa Cruz, for the first time in
years, might have enough depth to con-
end for a playoff spot. “We had a great
group of guys to coach last year,” claims
Jay Denton, two wins shy of 100 at the
school. “We just didn’t have very many of
hem.” The Dust Devils lost some close
games to quality teams. They return sev-
eral good, tough players. If they stay
healthy and the incoming junior class
sticks together, watch out. All-region
guard Joe Bojorquez (5-10, 185) should
eep busy blocking for halfback Alexis

STs TEPER SESS SS RSS SANE SEES By gS A

PAWSON JEliGill

LONGHORNS

Congratulations 1998 Class 3A State Champions!

Coach Jim Beall & assistants Mike Wheelis, Curt LeBlanc, Bret Morse, Jack Morris & Jason Sweeney.

Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield

..Santos Olague, Tucson Sabino, 1998
Alvin Leon, Baboquivari, 1977

..Ted Bland, Tucson, 1931

Coury Hankins, South Mountain, 1994
Mike Brown, Saguaro, 1995

Kyran Jones, Peoria, 1996 (jr)

Antrel Bates, Tucson Amphi, 1997
Mike Swick, Miami, 1924

Robert Johnson, Miami, 1985

Kit Landry, Williams, 1971

POINTS (SEASON)

306......Nathan Wize, Tucson Sabino, 1997
258......Richard Zuniga, Boys Ranch, 1997
246. leremy Hathcock, Blue Ridge, 1989 (jr)
246......Kevin Schmidtke, Mountain View, 1993
246......Bobby Wade, Desert Vista, 1998
234......Alvin Moore, Coolidge, 1977
234......Cory Lizarraga, Blue Ridge, 1997
229. tan Gill, Flagstaff, 1981

228......Brian Drew, McClintock, 1989

228. cooter Sprotte, Blue Ridge, 1994
222......Art Malone, Santa Cruz, 1965
222......Tavon Cooper, Peoria, 1994
216......Paul Shields, Paradise Valley, 1993

POINTS (CAREER)

524......Kevin Schmidtke, Mtn. View, 1991-93
460.

456.

440......Paul Shields, Paradise Valley, 1991-93
434 ......Kyran Jones, Peoria, 1995-97
420......Travis Palmer, Camp Verde, 1988-91
404. jeremy Hathcock, Blue Ridge, 1988-90
402......Bobby Wade, Desert Vista, 1997-98
390......Robert David, Blue Ridge, 1996-98
388......Nick Mangosing, Apollo, 1996-98
386......Sean Reeder, Cave Creek, 1985-88
384.......Ernie Montez, Thatcher, 1988-91
383......George Greathouse, Carver/
ssssseeee/Phoenix Union, 1952-55
378......Jerry Bridgman, Buckeye, 1955-58

377......Stan Gill, Flagstaff, 1979-81

RUSHING YARDS (GAME)

469......Stanley Jackson, Chinle, 1976
426......Aaron Craig, Window Rock, 1993
403. joey Capps, Mohave, 1993
402......Burton Belton, Winslow, 1958
388......Kyran Jones, Peoria, 1996 (jr)

Nathan Wize
Tucson Sabino

Nathan Wize, Tucson Sabino, 1997
Alvin Leon, Baboquivari, 1977
Cippy Correa, Antelope, 1973
Glenn Rogers, Agua Fria, 1982
Brian Galbreath, Cortez, 1991

Joel Huerta, Coronado, 1995 (so)
Nathan Wize, Tucson Sabino, 1997
Brian Pringle, Sunnyslope, 1970
Russell Trejo, Casa Grande, 1994
Nathan Wize, Tucson Sabino, 1997

RUSHING YARDS (SEASON)
3,101...Nathan Wize, Tucson Sabino, 1997
2,961...Scooter Sprotte, Blue Ridge, 1994
2,740...Mario Bates, Tucson Amphi, 1990
2,601...Keith Brown, Mountain Pointe, 1995
2,515...Kevin Schmidtke, Mountain View, 1993
2,349...Russell Trejo, Casa Grande, 1994
2,273...Mutt Hall, Show Low, 1996
2,253...Mike Cade, Santa Cruz, 1978
2,240...Antrel Bates, Tucson Amphi, 1997
2,230...Tim Vining, Cactus, 1994

2,224 ....Micah Barton, Phoenix Christian, 1996
2,201...Mike Mitchell, Brophy Prep, 1992
2,200...Glenn King, Casa Grande, 1950

RUSHING YARDS (CAREER)
5,711...Ernie Montez, Thatcher, 1988-91
5,669 ...Mike Mitchell, Brophy Prep, 1990-92
5,440...Kevin Schmidtke, Mtn. View, 1991-93
5,204 ...Sean Reeder, Cactus Shad., 1985-88
5,069 ...Scooter Sprotte, Blue Ridge, 1992-94
4,985...Travis Palmer, Camp Verde, 1988-91
4,900...Robert David, Blue Ridge, 1996-98
4,880 ...David Winsley, Flagstaff, 1983-85
4,836 ...Mario Bates, Tucson Amphi, 1988-90
4,551...George Greathouse, Carver/

Phoenix Union, 1952-55

Russell Trejo, Casa Grande, 1991-94
.. Hadley Hicks, Bisbee, 1948-51
...Stan Gill, Flagstaff, 1979-81

...Mike Cade, Santa Cruz, 1976-78
..Jerry Bridgman, Buckeye, 1955-58
...Whizzer White, Mesa, 1944-46

CARRIES (GAME)

48. Joey Capps, Mohave, 1993
45. Jose Valenzuela, Apache Jct.,
44. Mike Wolfe, Salpointe, 1965
44. Forrest Valora, Trevor Browne, 1975

1989

BlueCross
BlueShield
of Arizona

An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

ya3=y
VS)

cers

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S =

Betveen 1990-92, Brophy Prep halfback Mike Mitchell rushed for 5,669 yards
and scored 76 touchdowns (Phoenix Gazette photo).

.Carlos Cochrane, Ironwood, 1991 (jr)
.Steve Corson, Mingus Union, 1974

.Forrest Valora, Trevor Browne, 1975
.Mike Wolfe, Tucson Salpointe, 1965

AVERAGE YARDS PER CARRY (SEASON)
20.3.....dunior Tate, Casa Grande, 1953 (so)

13.9.....Max Hancock, Safford, 1946
13.6.....Ramon Ruiz, Clifton, 1967
13.6.....Marcus Bell, St. Johns, 1994
13.4.....Sid Udall, Round Valley, 1973
13.4.....Mike Gonzalez, Flagstaff, 1984
13.4.....Kevin Butler, Santa Cruz, 1990
13.3.....Joe Batiste, Tucson, 1938 (jr)

13.0.....Bruce Reed, Florence, 1983

LONGEST TOUCHDOWN RUN

.Frank Estavillo, Safford, 1930

.Sammy Johnson, Mesa, 1952

.Manuel Chacon, Santa Cruz, 1954
.Oscar Nogales, Ajo, 1962

.Bob Bledsoe, Flagstaff, 1963

.Craig Poncziak, Phoenix Gerard, 1964
.Wayne Jones, Dysart, 1972

.Pete Finau, Kearny Ray, 1977

Jerry Harper, Scottsdale Chaparral, ‘80
Steve Moncibaez, Mingus, 1985 (so)
.Greg Johnson, Tuc. Palo Verde, 1985
.Tom Collins, Glendale Apollo, 1985
.-Randy Carr, Phoenix Central, 1986
.Phil Hayward, Deer Valley, 1993 (jr)
.Trung Canidate, Phoenix Central, 1994
.Phil Hayward, Deer Valley, 1994
Jason Kislingbury, Winslow, 1994 (so)
.Juan Huerta, San Manuel, 1996 (jr)
.Daniel Durnez, Camp Verde, 1997

PASSING YARDS (GAME)
482......Mike Strack, Peoria Centennial, ‘97 (jr)

479......Marty Rincon, Westview, 1993
452......Mike Bitsuie, Ganado, 1995 (jr)
449.
440.

435 ......Gentry Gillespie, Round Valley, 1991

426......Brad Chilcote, Tucson Sahuaro, 1985
425......Dennis Bene, Tucson Salpointe, 1983
424......Rodney Peete, Tucson Sahuaro, ‘82 (jr)

404......Mike Makings, Scottsdale, 1971
403......Rick Johnson, Paradise Valley, 1983
402......Richard Lucero, South Mountain, 1997

PASSING YARDS (SEASON)

3,462 ...Marty Rincon, Westview, 1993
3,103...Frank Jimenez, Florence, 1995
3,094....John Rattay, Desert Vista, 1998 (jr)
3,009 ...Chris Snyder, Sunnyslope, 1994
2,923...Jarrett Huma, Hopi, 1988 (so)

2,906 ...Michael Bitsuie, Ganado, 1996

2,768 ...Mark Brooks, Greenway, 1995

2,736 ...Brad Chilcote, Tucson Sahuaro, 1985
2,721...Brandon Tomerlin, Superior, 1997 (jr)
2,719...Gary McEwen, Snowflake, 1982
2,709 ...Ruger Fontes, Nogales, 1997

2,686 ...Bobby Valdez, Tucson Sunnyside, 1986
2,683 ...Ryan Kealy, St. Mary's, 1995
2,646...Tim Rattay, Phoenix Christian, 1994
2,598 ...Jason Lunsford, Phoenix Cortez, 1997
2,566...Jonathan Beasley, Cactus, 1994 (jr)
2,539 ...Kent Kiefer, McClintock, 1985

PASSING YARDS (CAREER)
6,441...Mark Brooks, Greenway, 1993-95
6,350 ...Ryan Kealy, St. Mary's, 1993-95

arizona football ‘99

6,346 ...Kent Kiefer, McClintock, 1983-85
6,137 ...Olen Valdez, Sunnyside, 1993-95
6,064 ...Marty Rincon, Westview, 1991-93
5,984 ...Isaac Panana, Hopi, 1994-96
5,774...Adam Rodriguez, Desert View, °85-'88
5,731 ...Bobby Valdez, Sunnyside, 1984-86
5,454 ...David Moran, Bradshaw Mtn., 1992-95
5,291...Jarrett Huma, Hopi, 1988-90
5,281...Tony Cortez Rose, Douglas, 1973-76
5,139...Jonathan Beasley, Cactus, 193-95
5,002 ...Frank Jimenez, Florence, 1993-95

TOUCHDOWN PASSES (GAME)

Tommy Scott, Gilbert, 1926

Jarrett Huma, Hopi, 1988 (so)

Tim Rattay, Phoenix Christian, 1994
Duncan Brown, Mesa, 1924 (jr)
Charlie Beal, Mesa, 1943

Ray Guana, Safford, 1957

Gary Carpenter, North, 1968

Audie McKee, Flag. Coconino, 1983
chard Acosta, Nogales, 1985
Ricky Garcia, Florence, 1985

Willy Nikolaus, Show Low, 1990
Chris Snyder, Sunnyslope, 1994
David Moran, Bradshaw Mtn., 1994 (jr)
Malin Lewis, Ajo, 1997

Marco Burruel, Maryvale, 1997

DDDDDDADADADDAINA

TOUCHDOWN PASSES (SEASON)

41. Ryan Kealy, Phoenix St. Mary's, 1995
40. im Rattay, Phoenix Christian, 1994
Marty Rincon, Westview, 1993

John Rattay, Desert Vista, 1998 (jr)
Jason Lunsford, Phoenix Cortez, 1997
Justin Echols, Phoenix Greenway, 1998
Todd Mortensen, Tempe, 1996

Mark Brooks, Phoenix Greenway, 1995
Chris Snyder, Sunnyslope, 1994

Marco Burruel, Maryvale, 1997

TOUCHDOWN PASSES (CAREER)

83. Ryan Kealy, St. Mary's, 1993-95

74. David Moran, Bradshaw Mtn., 1992-95
66. Tony Cortez Rose, Douglas, 1973-76
60. Todd Mortensen, Tempe, 1994-96

60. Isaac Panana, Hopi, 1994-96

58. .Marty Rincon, Westview, 1991-93

58. Mark Brooks, Greenway, 1993-95
56........Jonathan Beasley, Cactus, 1993-95

56........Mike Bitsuie, Ganado, 1994-96

LONGEST TOUCHDOWN PASS
99........Frank Zellner to Gloyes Lemons,
-Buckeye, 1955

.Tony Cortez Rose to Bill Salzbrenner,
Douglas, 1975

.Doug Stitler to Curt Reiman,
.Brophy Prep, 1978

.Dave Lytle to Todd Schulz,
.Tombstone, 1979

.Keola Bandman to Matt Hanners,
.Page, 1986

RECEPTIONS (GAME)
21, John Mistler, Tucson Sahuaro, 1975 (jr)
.Bryan Marshall, Hopi, 1988 (so)

BlueCross

BlueShield
of Arizona

What if my "kid's in teotlece iM CONNECTICUT? —setatpnter toner es he Se tn
page 59

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

arizona football ‘99

.Clifton Jones, Florence, 1995 (jr)
-Randy Nikolaus, Show Low, 1982 (jr)
.Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

-Bryan Marshall, Hopi, 1988 (so)
.Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

-Marcus Erkel, Tucson Rincon, 1997
.Mickey Hatcher, Mesa, 1973

RECEPTIONS (SEASON)

LOM 08 Clifton Jones, Florence, 1995 (jr)
.-Randy Nikolaus, Show Low, 1982 (jr)
.George Ochoa, Douglas, 1979

.Travis Brun, Deer Valley, 1996

.Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

John Mistler, Tucson Sahuaro, 1975 (jr)
.Marcus Erkel, Tucson Rincon, 1997
.Calvin Dacus, Tucson Sahuaro,1998 (jr)
.-Rod Denetso, Ganado, 1995

-Bryan Marshall, Hopi, 1988 (so)

:Mike Johnson, Parker, 1989

Jason Birdsong, Glen. Cactus, 1989 (jr)
.Damian Segovia, Phx. Greenway, 1995
.Calvin Dacus, Sahuaro, 1998 (jr)

dustin Taplin, Tempe, 1996

.Bristol Oluma, Ganado, 1996 (so)
.Tariq McDonald, Phx. St. Mary's, 1995

RECEPTIONS (CAREER)

.Bristol Olomua, Ganado/Red Mountain,
1996-98

dustin Taplin, Tempe, 1993-96

Clifton Jones, Florence, 1994-96
.Glenn Posey, Sunnyside, 1984-86
.Mike Effing, Flowing Wells, 1980-82
John Mistler, Tucson Sahuaro, 1974-76
Bryan Marshall, Hopi/

.Gila Bend, 1988-90

.-Rod Denetso, Ganado, 1994-95

Jason Birdsong, Cactus, 1988-90
.Caine Palone, San Pasqual, 1994-97
George Ochoa, Douglas, 1978-79

RECEIVING YARDS (GAME)

325.3%! Clifton Jones, Florence, 1995 (jr)
.Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

.Bryan Marshall, Hopi, 1988 (so)

.Mark Marcos, Peoria Centennial, 1997
.Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

.Dennis Tate, Tucson, 1972

Pete Klaass, Paradise Valley, 1983 (jr)
Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

.Larry Bandura, Scottsdale, 1971

292) sss John Mistler, Tucson Sahuaro, 1975 (jr)

RECEIVING YARDS (SEASON)

1,760 ...Damian Segovia, Greenway, 1995
1,662 ...Jimmy Connor, Greenway, 1998
1,601 ...Clifton Jones, Florence, 1995 (jr)
1,492...Eric Drage, Tucson Santa Rita, 1988
1,471...Rod Denetso, Ganado, 1995

1,357 ...Rod Denetso, Ganado, 1994 (jr)
1,342...Mark Marcos, Peoria Centennial, 1997
1,298....Justin Taplin, Tempe, 1996
1,276...Mike Johnson, Parker, 1989
1,226...Mickey Hatcher, Mesa, 1973
1,222...John Mistler, Tucson Sahuaro, 1975 (jr)
1,220...Mike Funk, Hopi, 1988

page 60

dustin Taplin
Tempe

Billy Burris
Florence

1,216...Frankie Hernandez, Sunnyside, 1998
1,201 ...Jason Birdsong, Glendale Cactus, 1989

RECEIVING YARDS (CAREER)

3,333 ...Damian Segovia, Greenway, 1993-95
2,724...Justin Taplin, Tempe, 1993-96
2,626...Caine Palone, San Pasqual, 1994-97
2,613 ...Mike Effing, Flowing Wells, 1980-82
2,560 ...Clifton Jones, Florence, 1994-96

TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS (GAME)
..Dwight Bennett, Glendale, 1966
George Krekelberg, Camp Verde, 1987
. Bristol Olomua, Red Mountain, 1998

TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS (SEASON)
..dimmy Connor, Greenway, 1998
Damian Segovia, Greenway, 1995
Tariq McDonald, St. Mary's, 1995
Bill Salzbrenner, Douglas, 1975

Eric Drage, Tucson Santa Rita, 1988
Clifton Jones, Florence, 1995 (jr)
Tim Kohner, Phoenix Christian, 1994
Rod Denetso, Ganado, 1994 (jr)
Brian Poli-Dixon, Tucson Sabino, 1996
..David O'Hara, Phoenix Cortez, 1998

TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS (CAREER)

42 Bristol Olomua, Ganado/Red Mountain,
1996-98

3 Damian Segovia, Greenway, 1993-95

33. Caine Palone, San Pasqual, 1994-97

32
31
31
31

David Tefteller, Phx. Christian, 1993-95
justin Taplin, Tempe, 1993-96

Rod Denetso, Ganado, 1994-95
Clifton Jones, Florence, 1994-96

INTERCEPTIONS (GAME)

Disssapsenit Dick Gwinn, Scottsdale Judson, 1964
Mike Koza, Tucson Santa Rita, 1974
Aaron Smith, Tucson Sabino, 1996

INTERCEPTIONS (SEASON)

Rudy Quihuis, Tucson Pueblo, 1967
Brandon Tomerlin, Superior, 1996 (so)
Mike Vere, Phoenix Bourgade, 1972
Mickey Bell, Glendale Cactus, 1979
Andy Zwingle, Tucson Peoria, 1979
Aaron Smith, Tucson Sabino, 1996
Cory Lizarraga, Blue Ridge, 1997

wh a vob rdidn't hive to worry about health care?

Shawn Benson, Mesa, 1981
Scotty Malm, Phoenix Christian, 1986

INTERCEPTIONS (CAREER)

Brandon Tomerlin, Superior, 1995-98
Harold Smith, Florence, 1972-74

Billy Burris, Florence, 1987-89

Philip Echeverria, Buckeye, '85-87
Rudy Quihuis, Tucson Pueblo, 1966-67
David Moran, Bradshaw Mtn., 1992-95
Jay Jones, Douglas, 1977-79

Troy Gilliland, Parker, 1983-85

Carlos Artis, Washington, 1988-90

FIELD GOALS (GAME)
OR anensen Jeremy Kelley, Mountain View, 1996

FIELD GOALS (SEASON)

19 Mike Cortright, St. Mary's, 1985
Kyle Pooler, Cactus, 1989

Jeremy Kelley, Mt. View, 1995 (jr)
ley, Mountain View, 1996
Phil Insalaco, Phoenix Christian, 1984
Cameron Mark, Arcadia, 1993 (jr)
Randy Weiskittle, Brophy Prep, 1987
Kyle Bell, McClintock, 1989

Mario Silva, St. Mary's, 1990

Marcus Williams, McClintock, 1992
dim Sanson, St. Mary's, 1994 (jr)

FIELD GOALS (CAREER)

BONE aie Mike Cortright, St. Mary's, 1983-85
30. Jeremy Kelley, Mtn. View, 1994-96
Jeff Black, Tucson Sahuaro, 1986-88
Quin Rodriguez, Dobson, 1984-86
Kyle Pooler, Glendale Cactus, 1987-89

LONGEST FIELD GOAL

62. Kyle Pooler, Cactus, 1989

60. Ramey Peru, Mesa Dobson, 1998
58. dim Sanson, St. Mary's, 1994 (jr)

57. ll Zivic, Tucson Palo Verde, 1977
57, Jeff Black, Tucson Sahuaro, 1988
57. Mike Johnson, Centennial, 1995
Bie Todd Purdin, Saguaro, 1995

57. Todd Purdin, Scottsdale Saguaro, 1995
yaitenn Bryce Solberg, Flagstaff, 1997 (jr)

PATS (GAME)

e Alex Shores, Page, 1974 (jr)
Ed Brooks, Phoenix Union, 1914
Joey Mariscal, Florence, 1987

PATS (SEASON)

81. Alan Bayze, Tucson Sabino, 1997
78. Sergi Sausedo, Agua Fria, 1998 (jr)
70. Cleveland Colter, Marana, 1968
70. Don Gallardo, Cactus, 1994 (jr)
69. Tony Camino, Peoria, 1987

Cleveland Colter, Marana, 1967 (jr)
Kyle Bell, McClintock, 1989

PATS (CAREER)

169......Josh Lane, Phoenix Christian, 1994-97
142......Kyle Pooler, Cactus, 1987-89

142 dim Sanson, St. Mary's, 1993-95
136......Cleveland Colter, Marana, 1967-68

= BlueCross
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An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

*PHORIA HIGH SCHOOL
E

“Watch out! You’re in
Panther Country!”

THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Good Luck to Coach Doug Clapp and the
‘99 Peoria Panthers in the 5A Northwest Region!

# Winningest Phoenix metro 4A school in the ‘90s!
# Coach Clapp’s .786 winning percentage one of state’s best!
# Eleven former Panthers in Division I-A schools today!
# Two former Panthers on NFL rosters!
# Five state finalist appearances in 15 years!
# Eleven state playoff appearances!

Sponsored by The Peoria High School
Gridiron Club

For Information call: (480) 991-0018

arizona football ‘99

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

Desert Vista back Bobby Wade (left), bound for the University of Arizona, and Glendale Apollo fullback Nick Mangosing (32),
a Purdue signee, highlight a backfield which lit up scoreboards each Friday night.

Thunder’s Wade Tops ‘98 Super All-State

By SAMMY WRIGHT

Versatile Bobby Wade and teammate
John Rattay of defending 5A state cham-
pion Desert Vista took top billing in our
Super All-State squad - the 28th such
team picked since 1970. The list recog-
nizes Arizona's best regardless of class,
and has been regarded as the state’s pre-
mier post season honor roll for years.

Player of the Year finalist included
Wade, whose school landed the Vic
Housholder Trophy because of his per-
formance, Glendale Apollo’s Nick
Mangosing, Red Mountain’s Bristol
Olomua, Westview's Andrae Thurman,
Superior’s Brandon Tomerlin, Shadow
Mountain’s Shaun McDonald and Phoenix
Cortez speedster Travis Gammage.

Rattay, one of the region’s top recruits
for ‘99, was the only junior on the
offense. The slick throwing quarterback
led the Thunder to the state finals by
passing for a 5A record 3,094 yards and
36 touchdowns. The state record for
touchdown passes in a single season (41)
is held by current Arizona State quarter-

back Ryan Kealy. Wade, who scored the
game winning touchdown on a 70 yard
sprint in the 5A finals, rushed for 1,620
yards and found the goal line 41 times,
another 5A record. So is his 246 single
season points. The University of Arizona
signee picked off 12 passes in the
Thunder's secondary.

With Mangosing, a 6-5, 260-pounder,
in the lineup, Apollo was 22-1 in two
years, Illness kept him out of the Hawks’
37-21 playoff loss to Cortez last fall. In
the past two years, “Big Nick” gained
2,517 yards on 325 carries, scored 51
touchdowns and signed with Purdue.
Gammage, the state 4A Player of the
Year at Cortez, burned opponents for
2,149 yards (best in the state), 34 touch-
downs and 204 points.

Little Superior, a 2A school with less
than 200 students, had three Division I
prospects in its lineup and two landed at
Arizona State. Anthony Aguilar (6-4
295), a tight end on offense and a line-
backer on defense, will continue his
career with teammate Brandon Tomerlin,
the Panthers gifted quarterback who man-

aged to intercept a state record 32 passes
as a safety.

Two slick wideouts, Westview’s Andrae
Thurman (Arizona) and Red Mountain's
Bristol Olomua (BYU) round out the
receiving corps. Since transferring from
Ganado, it was Olomua who drew all the
attention. He set state career records for
receptions (185) and touchdowns (42) at
the two schools. Last fall he caught 47
passes for 805 yards and 15 TDs - five
against Mesa Dobson.

Agua Fria’s Alan Parker, Mingus
Union’s Nick Johnson, Mountain Pointe’s
Jeff Stanley, and Corona del Sol’s
Brandon Phillips and Marcus Venturo
form an offensive line which could com-
pete in any state. Although Johnson (6-8,
308) received all the pre-season attention,
it was Phillips, a University of Arizona
signee, who landed the Brian Murray
Award, symbolic of the state’s best interi-
or lineman. Parker signed with Nevada,
Johnson A-State.

The kicking game is solid, with
Alhambra punter Marcos Moreno (45.7)
and Dobson place kicker Ramey Peru

2 —_————_—_—__... EE”. .—C aaa

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

James Smith
Camelback

Travis Gammage
Cortez

simply the best. Peru, who will join Wade,
Thurman and Phillips at Arizona, made
seven of nine field goals (the two misses
were blocked), including a school record
60-yarder against Mesa. Eighteen of his
kickoffs reached the end zone.

Besides Tomerlin and Wade, the sec-
ondary features Phoenix Camelback star
James Smith (Cal) and Mesa Mountain
View safety Leo Christensen, a key
defender on the best 5A defensive club in
the state. Smith, playing on a 2-8 team,
did more than his share in the secondary,
then found time to rush for a school
record 1,620 yards. His athletic ability
showed in track, where his best time in
the high hurdles (13.96) was the best in
Arizona in eight years.

Brian Gaffney of Phoenix Brophy
Prep, winner of the Larry Gordon Award,
heads a tough group of linebackers,
including Collen Blackburn of state 4A
champ Tucson Sabino, and early-to-be
Texas Longhorn Austin Sendlein of
Scottsdale Chaparral, one of two juniors
on the defense. Gaffney, bound for

‘98 STATE-WIDE
AWARDS

5A Player of the Year
Bobby Wade, Desert Vista

4A Player of the Year
Travis Gammage, Cortez

3A Player of the Year
Hunter Walden, Payson

2A Player of the Year
Brandon Tomerlin, Superior

1A Player of the Year
Greg Mortensen, St. David

seoean ans nenrerosegesesaerectrerenaS

arizona football ‘99

‘98 Super All-State

OFFENSE

Player/High School/Size

Stanford, played a big role in the Broncos
march to the state finals.

With St. Mary's Chad Howell (A-
State), Glendale Cactus’ Norman Boebert
(Michigan), Sabino’s Joe Price and
Mountain View's James Norman on the
line, who needs linebackers?

If opposing teams kicked to this club,
Shaun McDonald or Sammy Moore would
burn them. Both are nationally ranked
track stars. Five times McDonald, an ASU
signee, scored on kick returns. His speed
(10.55/21.48) was the talk of the spring.
Moore, possibly the state’s best all-around
athlete, scored twice on punt returns and
averaged 21.4 per try. He also averaged
23.4 yards on kickoff returns. His speed
(10.63/21.75) and long jumping ability
(24-4) make him a big time recruit.

During the ‘98 collegiate season, 160
former Arizona products dotted Division I-
A rosters on football scholarships. This
does not include players at the junior col-
lege level, NAIA teams, or smaller

snag NNN ASTRON TTORCETRETEED

QB.....John Rattay, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-4, 192 (jn...
Bobby Wade, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-0, 190
Nick Mangosing, Glendale Apollo, 6-5, 260
ravis Gammage, Phoenix Cortez, 5-11, 175
TE......Anthony Aguilar, Superior, 6-4, 295
WR.....Andrae Thurman, Tolleson Westview, 6-0, 175..
Bristol Olomua, Mesa Red Mountain, 6-4, 210.
OL......Alan Parker, Avondale Agua Fria, 6-5, 255.......
OL......Nick Johnson, Mingus UNION, 6-8, 308...
Marcus Venturo, Tempe Corona del Sol, 6-2, 295..
Brandon Phillips, Tempe Corona del Sol, 6-7, 280 ..
leff Stanley, Tempe Mountain Pointe, 6-2, 255
Ramey Peru, Mesa Dobson, 6-1, 160 vices
Marcos Moreno, Phoenix Alhambra, 5-11, 195...

DEFENSE
DB......,Brandon Tomerlin, Superior, 6-2, 192
James Smith, Phoenix Camelback, 6-0, 177
Bobby Wade, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-0, 190...
Leo Christensen, Mesa Mountain View, 6-3, 185
Collen Blackburn, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 230......,
Brian Gaffney, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 6-2, 225 .
Austin Sendiein, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-3, 235 (jr
DL......Norman Boebert, Glendale Cactus, 6-6, 251.....
DL......Chad Howell, Phoenix St, Mary’s, 6-4, 204 ...
DL..... Joe Price, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 265
DL.....James Norman, Mesa Mountain View, 5-11, 210
seeShaun McDonald, Shadow Mountain, 5-9, 166..
esa Sammy Moore, Mesa Westwood, 5-10, 166 (jn...

Head Coach
. Jim Rattay

zie Bryan Munoz
.George Martinez
Jimmy Jones
Mickey Bell
..Mike Epperson
Gary Venturo
ueGary Venturo
. Karl Kiefer
Mike Clark
.Frank Lautt

sone Bryan Munoz
Phillip Wooley
soneodim Rattay

. Bernie Busken
Harold Pigusch
Bob Young

Division I schools such as NAU, which
play quality football. More than half of the
160 players played high school football in
the state’s 4A ranks or below. Peoria
High was the leader, with 11 former
Panthers on major college rosters. Four
schools were tied at seven: South
Mountain, Tucson Sabino, Mesa Dobson
and Mesa High. The Pac-10 was the con-
ference leader (74), with the WAC a dis-
tant second (30). The University of
Arizona continues to lead all schools with
23 scholarshiped Arizonans on its roster,
followed by ASU (22), New Mexico (9),
UCLA (7) and Oregon (7).

Two historic winning streaks came to
and end last fall. In the 3A finals, Payson
ended the state’s all-time best string at 63
when the Longhorns beat Blue Ridge 29-
20 in the state finals at Mesa Community
College. Blue Ridge finished 11-1 on the
season. In 5A, Brophy Prep ended
Mountain View's 40 game unbeaten
streak in the state semifinals, 10-3.

page 63

‘98 All-State Teams

*CLASS 5A

Offense:
QB John Rattay, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-4, 192 (jr)
RB Bobby Wade, Tempe Desert Vista, 6-0, 190
RB James Smith, Phoenix Camelback, 6-0, 177
RB Kenny Clayton, Tempe Corona del Sol, 5-9, 165
TE Elton Johnson, Tempe Desert Vista, 5-11, 190 (jr)
WR_ Bristol Olomua, Mesa Red Mountain, 6-4, 210
WR Andrae Thurman, Tolleson Westview, 6-0, 175
OL Pat Walsh, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 6-4, 205
OL Marcus Venturo, Tempe Corona del Sol, 6-2, 295
OL Jeff Stanley, Tempe Mountain Pointe, 6-2, 255
OL Brandon Phillips, Tempe Corona del Sol, 6-7, 280
OL Joe Gilbert, Kingman, 6-3, 245
PK Ramey Peru, Mesa Dobson, 6-1, 190

P Marcos Moreno, Phoenix Alhambra, 5-11, 195
Defense:

YB Bobby Wade, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-0, 190

9B James Smith, Phoenix Camelback, 6-0, 177

2B Leandre Lewis, Phoenix Trevor Browne, 5-10, 165
9B Leo Christensen, Mesa Mountain View, 6-3, 185
LB Brian Gaffney, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 6-2, 225
|B Mike Barth, Tempe Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 205

LB id < Riggs, Mesa Mountain View, 6-3, 205

YL Chad Howell, Phoenix St. Mary’s, 6-4, 204

DL Rasheen Rice, Phoenix Maryvale, 6-1, 271

YL James Norman, Mesa Mountain View, 5-11, 210
XL Justin Douglas, Mesa Mountain View, 6-3, 230
RS Shaun McDonald, Shadow Mountain, 5-9, 166
RS Sammy Moore, Mesa Westwood, 6-0, 175 (jr)

*CLASS 4A

Offense
QB Reggie Robertson, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-2, 175 (jr)
RB Nick Mangosing, Glendale Apollo, 6-5, 260

RB ‘Travis Gammage, Phoenix Cortez, 5-11, 175

RB Pablo Henriquez, Tucson Catalina, 6-0, 210
TE Jason Johnson, Phoenix Thunderbird, 6-6, 210
WR in Dacus, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-0, 165 (jr)
WR_ Jimmy Connor, Phoenix Greenway, 5-10, 150
OL Alan Parker, Avondale Agua Fria, 6-5, 255
OL Nick Johnson, Cottonwood Mingus Union, 6-8, 308
OL Jonah Bense, Flagstaff Sinagua, 6-4, 315
OL Josh Kemberling, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 230
OL Alex Lazar, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-0, 265 (jr)

K_ Bryce Solberg, Flagstaff, 6-0, 170
Defense

LB Collen Blackburn, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 230

LB Austin Sendlein, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-3, 235 (jr)
LB Tony Brunetti, Peoria, 6-0, 202
DL Joe Price, Tucson Sabino, 6-2, 205

DL orman Boebert, Glendale Cactus, 6-6, 251

XL Jared Wolfgramm, Tempe Union, 6-5, 215 (jr)

XL Brian Dawson, Marana Mountain View, 6-2, 225
SB Travis Gammage, Phoenix Cortez, 5-11, 175

9B Robert Ramirez, Avondale Agua Fria, 6-0, 185
YB Santos Olague, Tucson Sabino, 5-10, 180

YB Clay Hardt, Marana, 6-1, 170

P Miles Mason, Tucson Sabino, 6-3, 200

CLASS 3A

Offense
QB Hunter Walden, Payson, 6-1, 180
RB Robert David, Lakeside Blue Ridge, 5-9, 170
RB Garrett, Johnson, Show Low, 6-2, 220
RB Julius Wortham, Arizona Boys Ranch, 5-11, 190
TE Marc Bennett, Payson, 6-2, 205
WR Lamar Slaughter, Coolidge, 6-4, 190
OL Stephen Frost, Show Low, 6-2, 225
OL Nathan Palmer, Coolidge, 6-1, 205
OL Ty Hulbert, Payson, 5-8, 185
OL Ricky Jones, Arizona Boys Ranch, 6-0, 220
OL Ben Stidham, Lakeside Blue Ridge, 5-10, 205

K Josh Barnhart, Payson, 5-10, 175
Defense
LB is Bell, Show Low, 6-0, 200
LB Brian Vi Lakeside Blue Ridge, 6-0, 190 (jr)
LB Jimbo Armstrong, Payson, 6-2, 200 (jr)
LB Matt Rodriguez, Eloy Santa Cruz, 6-0, 190
DL Tim Siquieros, Coolidge, 6-2, 210
DL Mike Barker, Payson, 6-2, 205
DL Jacob Belshe, St. Johns, 6-3, 246
DL Jeff Brown, Lakeside Blue Ridge, 6-4, 175
DB Lee Wheeler, Coolidge, 5-11, 175 (jr)
DB Chad Ashcroft, Lakeside Blue Ridge, 5-11, 150
DB Jeremy Hoff, Payson, 6-1, 175
DB Nate Jackson, Lakeside Blue Ridge, 5-10, 175

“CLASS 2A

Offense
QB Mark Tefteller, Phoenix Christian, 6-2, 180 (jr)
RB — Eli Milstead, Phoenix Bourgade, 5-8, 172
RB Darren Spetz, Chandler Seton Catholic, 6-0, 180
RB Matt Allred, Willcox, 5-9, 180 (jr)
TE Anthony Aguilar, Superior, 6-5, 298
WR Rick Huisman, Phoenix Christian, 6-3, 180
WR_ Isaac Palomarez, Queen Creek, 6-3, 195
OL, sse McDonald, Chandler Seton Catholic, 6-2, 275
OL Mark Johnson, Winterhaven San Pasqual, 6-5, 295
OL Dane Whitmer, Thatcher, 6-4, 240 (jr)
OL Billy Curtis, Morenci, 6-3, 235
OL Peter Rhee, Chandler Seton Catholic, 6-0, 205

K Phillip Alva, Thatcher, 5-9, 170 (jr)
Defense
LB Steve Alder, Pima, 6-0, 175
LB Danny Padilla, Superior, 6-2, 237 (jr)
LB Anthony Tassotti, Chandler Seton Catholic, 6-3, 220
DL Mark Johnson, Winterhaven San Pasqual, 6-5, 295
DL Jared Merkley, Queen Creek, 5-9, 180
DL Anthony Aguilar, Superior, 6-5, 298
DL Jesse McDonald, Chandler Seton Catholic, 6-2, 275
DB Brandon Tomerlin, Superior, 6-2, 182
DB Jake Wright, Northwest Community Christian, 5-11, 173
DB Ethan Estes, Thatcher, 6-0, 175
DB Bobby Lorona, Winkelman Hayden, 6-0, 160
RS. Brandon Tomerlin, Superior, 6-2, 182

*Selected annually by the editors and staff of Arizona
Football Magzine, Barry Sollenberger, Publisher.

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arizona football ‘99

ARIZONA
COLLEGE
PREVIEW

Lumberjack quarterback Travis Brown (Moon Valley) and Arizona State wide receiver Tariq McDonald (Phoenix St.
Mary’s) are just two of many former Arizona products in the college ranks today (Rick D’Elia photo).

By Joseph B. Sollenberger for more than 1,000 yards. Canidate and Arizona team that returns 16 starters and
Redmond are Heisman Trophy candi- is expected to contend for the national

Call it the Year of the Tailback. dates. championship.

For the first time in recent memory, All eyes are on Canidate (5-11, 199), Redmond (6-0, 210) rushed for 883
Arizona, Arizona State and Northern who burst on to the national scene last yards last season despite missing two
Arizona will all feature high-caliber, top- year, rushing for 1,321 yards and a games with an ankle injury and playing
flight backs this fall. nation-leading 7.3 yards per carry. He three others at less-than-full strength. He

Barring injury, all three backs - UofA’s _ helped lead the Wildcats to a school-best was still selected to the Associated Press
Trung Canidate, ASU's J.R. Redmond 12-1 season and a No. 4 finish in both all-American second team as an all-pur-
and NAU’s Ronney Jenkins — should rush wire-service polls. He is the linchpin of an _ pose player after averaging 155.8 yards

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

per game. His health will be crucial as the
Sun Devils attempt to bounce back from
a disappointing 5-6 campaign. Both
Canidate and Redmond are seniors.

ASU fans should remember Jenkins
(5-11, 175). As a sophomore at Brigham
Young last season, he tore up the Devils
for 171 yards rushing in a 26-6 BYU
win. For the season he rushed for 1,307
yards, but then he was kicked out of
school for disciplinary reasons. He trans-
ferred to NAU and now anchors a squad
that returns 17 starters from a 6-5 team.

ARIZONA

Optimism for a banner season has
never been higher in Tucson.

In addition to Canidate, coach Dick
Tomey welcomes back six starters on
offense, including senior quarterback
Keith Smith (5-11, 202). Junior signal-
caller Ortege Jenkins (6-2, 224), who
started four games last year, also returns.
With these two behind center, Arizona
has perhaps the nation’s best quarterback
situation.

Last season, Smith set a Pac-10
record for passing efficiency (174.17),
completing 113 of 165 attempts for 13
touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In 1997, Jenkins set a Pac-10 fresh-
man record with 19 touchdown tosses.
Last season he threw just five, but his fall
was not void of highlights. He executed
perhaps college football's “play of the
year” when he did a 360-degree flip,
somersaulting into the end zone against
Washington for a touchdown with :04
left, giving Arizona a dramatic 31-28 win
in Seattle.

He and Smith will split time for the
third straight season.

The Wildcats’ offensive attack does
not end with the quarterbacks and
Canidate. Senior wide receiver Dennis
Northcutt (5-11, 172) needs 19 recep-
tions to become the school’s all-time
leader. On the offensive line, senior tackle
Manu Savea (6-2, 296), sophomore guard
Steven Grace (6-2, 275), junior center
Bruce Wiggins (6-3, 275) and junior tight
end Brandon Manumaleuna (6-2, 286)
are all returning starters.

Defensively, the Wildcats must over-
come the loss of all-American corner-
back/return man Chris McAlister who
picked off five passes (one for a touch-
down) and also returned a kickoff and a
punt for scores. Still, with nine defensive

starters back, Tomey is confident.

“We could have a better defense
because everyone else is better, more
experienced and more effective,” Tomey
says. “We feel like we could be a better
defensive team this year.”

Senior linebackers Marcus Bell (6-2,
231) and DaShon Polk (6-2, 230) are the
defensive anchors. Bell, from St. John’s
High School, was a 1998 first-team all-
Pac-10 selection after registering 139
tackles, including 83 solo. He also broke
up six passes, forced two fumbles, recov-
ered another, and led Arizona with 14
tackles for losses. Polk was a second-team
all-Pac-10 pick after making 56 tackles,
including 4.5 sacks.

The Wildcats return seven other defen-
sive starters: junior defensive ends Joe
Tafoya (6-4, 260) and Mike Robertson (6-
2, 230), senior safeties Greg Payne (5-
10, 192) and Rafell Jones (5-10, 193),
senior cornerback Kelvin Hunter (5-9,
169), sophomore defensive tackle Keoni
Fraser (6-0, 287) and senior linebacker
Scooter Sprotte (5-11, 221).

The early schedule isn't favorable. The
Wildcats face a major test Aug. 28 at
Penn State in the Pigskin Classic, before
heading to Fort Worth, Texas, to play
Texas Christian. They also travel to
Pasadena for a date with UCLA (Oct. 30)
and to Tempe to meet ASU (Nov. 27).
USC (Oct. 9) and Washington (Nov. 6)
visit Tucson.

ARIZONA STATE

For the Devils, Monday, Sept. 6 can’t
come soon enough. On that date, they
meet Texas Tech in the season opener
and start making amends for last season’s
5-6 debacle. At least, that is their plan.

A year ago, the Devils were a presea-
son top-10 pick and dreamed of playing
in the Fiesta Bowl. They instead stumbled
to an 0-2 start en route to a bowl-less
season. “I don’t believe in making excus-
es,” Snyder says. “Last year there was all
this hype about how good everybody was.
We are not interested in that this year.
What we have to do right now is find out
who we are.”

Snyder has brought in 13 junior-col-
lege transfers, a total exceeded only by
San Jose State (15) among Division 1-A
programs, to provide depth on both sides
of the ball.

Offensively, the Sun Devils were
potent last year, and they should be again

arizona football ‘99

with seven starters returning. Like
Redmond, junior quarterback Ryan Kealy
(6-2, 200) is a top-honors candidate.
Kealy suffered through an injury-plagued,
inconsistent sophomore campaign, but he
ended on a high note, shredding Arizona
for 511 yards and four touchdowns in a
50-42 loss. For the season, he completed
57.5 percent of his passes for 2,161
yards with 19 touchdowns and nine inter-
ceptions.

“When Ryan is out there having fun
and not having to worry about so many
things is when we are most successful,”
ASU offensive coordinator Dan Cozzetto
said. “We as a coaching staff have to take
a look at what we are asking him to do
and make sure we are featuring what he
does best.”

Unfortunately, Kealy will be throwing
to inexperienced targets. The Sun Devils
lost their top three wide receivers who
combined for 77 percent of the team’s
receptions. Still, junior Tariq McDonald
(6-1, 180), who caught 28 passes last
season and also teamed with Kealy at
Phoenix St. Mary’s, returns.

“Lam looking for Tariq McDonald to
have a great year,” Cozzetto says. “I con-
sider Tariq one of the best receivers in the
Pac-10. When Tariq is in the game, he
always knows exactly where Ryan is
going to go with the ball. It reminds me
of how Jake (Plummer) was with Keith
(Poole).”

Sophomore flanker Justin Taplin (6-0,
180), who flashed promise last year as a
return man, could start, as could sopho-
more tight end Todd Heap (6-5, 225).
Juniors Marvel Smith (6-6, 305) and
Victor Leyva (6-4, 300), and senior
Thomas Schmidt (6-6, 305) anchor the
offensive line.

Defense, or lack of it, was a problem
for ASU last season. It remains a con-
cern: The Sun Devils return just four
starters from a unit that surrendered 30.7
points per game.

Big seasons are expected from senior
cornerback Courtney Jackson (6-1, 190)
and senior rush-end Erik Flowers (6-4,
248). Junior linebacker Adam Archuleta
(6-0, 208), sophomore linebacker Eric
Fields (6-3, 225), senior tackle Junior
loane (6-4, 304) and sophomore safety
Willie Daniel (6-0, 209) also return.

The schedule isn’t kind. The Devils
open at home against the Red Raiders,
face a grueling October three-game

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SALUTES FORMER SUN DEVILS

Jake Plummer, Arizona Cardinals

NOW IN THE NFL

Oakland Raiders

Miami Dolphins

Arizona Cardinals

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JAKE PLUMMER . Arizona Cardinals
EITH POOLE.............New Orleans Saints
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BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

stretch (UCLA, at Notre Dame, at
Washington), travel to Oregon and USC
on successive weeks, and face Arizona in
the season finale in Tempe.

NORTHERN ARIZONA

NAU coach Jerome Souers is breath-
ing much easier these days.

Before last season, Souers’ first in
Flagstaff, the Lumberjacks took the field
for spring ball with only 44 players in uni-
form, including walk-ons after a senior-
dominated team went 6-5 in 1997, A dis-
astrous seemed likely.

But somehow, someway, Souers’
squad scratched and clawed its way to
another 6-5 season, winning its final two
games, overcoming a mid-season three-
game slide. “We went through some
adversity during the middle of last season
for various reasons,” Souers said. “The
kids persevered through that, and finish-
ing the season on an up note certainly
signified a sense of development and
accomplishment.”

With 17 starters returning plus
Ronney Jenkins’ addition, optimism is
high.

“The players know each other better,
and they know the staff,” Souers said.
“We all have a better understanding of
the expectations we can place on our
players, and the team knows what we
expect of them. We have more bodies
and more experience.”

Senior quarterback Travis Brown (6-4,
210), from Phoenix Moon Valley, is a
three-year starter and has thrown a touch-
down pass in 26 of his 30 games. Junior
wide receiver Francis St. Paul (5-9, 175)
scored seven touchdowns and averaged
16.7 yards per grab last season.

On the offensive line, junior center
Jake Petersen (6-3, 290), sophomore
tackles Eric Damko (6-6, 285) and Robert
Haws (6-7, 302), and sophomore guard
Nick Yerton (6-3, 290) are returning
starters.

Senior linebacker Afa Faraimo (5-11,
195), a first-team all-Big Sky pick,
anchors the defense. Senior defensive
tackle Derek Allen (6-4, 265) and senior
linebacker Jake Crissup (5-10, 215) gar-
nered second-team all-conference honors.
Junior safety Raymond Perryman (6-0,
200) also returns. Unfortunately for the
Lumberjacks, six of their 11 games are
on the road, including dates at Cal-State
Sacramento and at Cal-State Northridge.

UofA PLAYERS FROM ARIZONA HIGH S
Pos. Ht. = Wh.

Player

Alex Roseman
Scooter Sprotte
Orlando Rodriguez
Chris Olsen

Trevor Wilde

Trung Canidate
Vernon Holmes, Jr.
James Hinrichs
Marcus Bell

John Denny
Michael Johnson
Scott McKee
Chris Cutler
Adrian Koch

Tom Edwards

D.J. Vasquez

Matt Gorczyca
David Floyd
Joshua Camarena
Bryan Kula

Robert Ramsey
Darren Safranek
Michael Hairgrove
Nate Campbell

Eli Wnek

Aaron Huisman
Austin Bates
Andrae Thurman
Bobby Wade
Brandon Phillips
Clay Hardt

Matt Perry

Matt Molina
Pablo Henriquez

ASU PLAYERS FROM ARIZON
Os.

Player

Tony Aguilar

Mike Aguirre
Josh Amobi
Adam Archuleta
Mike Barth

Willie Daniel
Ryan Delnoce
Roderick Denetso
Brandon Falkner
Tyree Gillespie
Griffin Goodman
Joey Graves
Gerald Green
Todd Heap

Matt Hendricks
Evan Hickson
Chad Howell
Josiah Igono
Brian Jennings
Nick Johnson
Clifton Jones
Kyran Jones

Levi Jones

Ryan Kealy

Kyle Kosier

Shaun McDonald
Tariq McDonald
Jason Moore
Marquise Muldrow
Nick Murphy
Damien Niko
Jerry Schwartzberg
Justin Taplin
Brandon Tomerlin
Stephen Trejo
Patrick Wilson
Quincy Yancy

Yr.

175
219
190
195
212
199
215
71
231
200
223
195
225
212
219
220
220
270
270
314
253
256
198
205
240
214
193
170
190
270
170
270
215
210

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208
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209
264
190
195
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185
191
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225
250
230
215
175
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315
183
170

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arizona football ‘99

CHOOLS

High School (City)
Sabino (Tucson)

Blue Ridge (Lakeside)
Sunnyside (Tucson)
Dobson (Mesa)

Horizon (Scottsdale)
Central (Phoenix)

Agua Fria (Avondale)
Palo Verde (Tucson)

St. Johns (St. Johns)
Cholla (Tucson)
Centennial (Peoria)
Sabino (Tucson)
Sahuarita (Sahuarita)
Desert View (Tucson)
Sahuaro (Tucson)

Horizon (Phoenix)

Sabino (Tucson)
Centennial (Peoria)
Tucson (Tucson)

Brophy Prep (Phoenix)
Flagstaff (Flagstaff)
Catalina Foothills (Tucson)
Flowing Wells (Tucson)
Canyon Del Oro (Tucson)
lronwood (Glendale)
Phoenix Christian (Phoenix)
Catalina Foothills Tucson)
Westview (Avondale)
Desert Vista (Phoenix)
Corona del Sol (Tempe)
Marana (Marana)
Gilbert (Gilbert)
Chaparral (Scottsdale)
Catalina (Tucson)

HIGH SCHOOLS
ut

High School (City)

Superior (Superior)

Mountain View (Mesa)
Shadow Mountain (Phoenix)
Chandler (Chandler)

M. Pointe (Ahwatukee)

St. Mary’s (Phoenix)

Arcadia (Scottsdale)
Ganado (Ganado)

Peoria (Peoria)

Cactus (Phoenix)

Mountain View (Mesa)
Casa Grande (Casa Grande)
Mesa (Mesa)

Mountain View (Mesa)
Corona del Sol (Tempe)
Mountain View (Mesa)

St. Mary’s (Phoenix)

Tempe (lempe).

Red Mountain (Mesa)
Mingus Union (Cottonwood)
Florence (Florence)

Peoria (Peoria)

Santa Cruz (Eloy)

St. Mary’s (Phoenix)

Cactus (Glendale)

Shadow Mountain (Phoenix)
St. Mary’s (Phoenix)

Horizon (Scottsdale)
Maryvale (Phoenix)

Desert Mountain (Scottsdale)
Mountain View (Mesa)
Chaparral (Scottsdale)
Tempe (Tempe)

Superior (Superior)

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lronwood (Glendale)
Ironwood (Glendale)

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PROTECTION

BARRY SOLLENBERGER’S

By JEFF KRIDER

Last season was a good one for
Arizona Western. The Matadors (7-4)
won seven games, the ACCAC, finished
the regular season ranked 15th in the
nation, and played in the Empire State
Bowl in New York City. Although the sea-
son ended with a thud, a 30-6 loss to
Nassau Community College, Bob O’Mera
was the state coach of the year, and
seven Matadors were selected to the
ACCAC all-region team.

“We want to be better and our team
has worked hard this off-season to pre-
pare themselves,” says O’Mera, who has
had coaching stops in Kansas and Idaho.
“Like all junior college teams we must rely
heavily on freshmen. We have a good
nucleus returning and we had an excellent
recruiting year, but we won't know how
good we are until fall practice starts.”

The key player is halfback Vishone
Kennion (6-0, 195, 4.5), an all-region
pick who went down with an injury on his
first carry in the Empire State Bowl.
Defensive back Malcom Moore (5-11,
175), another burner, and offensive tackle
Joe Stevenson (6-4, 290) are D-1
prospects. Little Artie Martinez was an all-
region kicker. Andy Andrist (6-0, 255)
and Kent Rambo (6-2, 335) join
Stevenson on the line, so the ground
game is set. In the Matadors’ spread
option, they'll be blocking for running
backs Jeremy Alls (6-2, 210) and Zeke
Moreno (5-11, 230). The staff is happy
with Jerome Furnace (6-0, 225) and
Anthony Stevenson (6-0, 220) at line-
backer. Rudy Montijo (6-3, 210) starts at
strong safety. Dusty Alexander (6-2, 305)
and Eltoro Smith (6-2, 260) anchor the
defensive front.

Strong recruiting gives Mesa a prom-
ising look, also. The returning class, with
15 starters, isn't bad either. The
Thunderbirds, 7-4 after a 17-14 loss to
Garden City in the Valley of the Sun
Bowl, have three of the region’s best
players in running backs Louis Hinchey
(5-9, 195) and Justin Frisk (5-9, 210),
along with offensive tackle Travis Scott (6-
6, 290). Hinchey, with 4.5 speed, gained
902 yards on 144 carries. The ‘Birds are
solid at tackle, with the likes of Scott,
Bryan Saveilo (6-4, 265), Tony Damiani
(6-4, 275) and Juan Parra (6-5, 290) in
the lineup. Incoming quarterbacks Jon
Roberts (Casa Grande) and Mike Strack
(Peoria Centennial) will have some speedy
wideouts to throw to, including Shawn
Broadus and Travis McNichols.

Junior
College

Preview

Defensively, two key transfers, both line-
backers, should help right away. Former
Mesa all-stater Scott Fuller (6-3, 230) and
Arcadia standout Joe Young (6-2, 240)
are back in the picture.

Mesa’s future, with an outstanding
recruiting class, looks good. “My gut feel-
ing is this is the best recruiting class I've
had since I’ve been here,” says Rice, on
the eve of his eighth season. Among the
key recruits are former Mountain View
linebacker Tyler Wheeler, who is return-
ing from a church mission, McClintock
center Mickey Mahlmeister, Mountain
Pointe tight end Chris Ensminger,
Coronado linebacker Mike Renfro,
Arcadia lineman John Harvey, Santa Rita
quarterback Donnie Bunyon, Superior
tackle Jerry Young and Mesa linebacker
Tyler Johansen.

The Valley of the Sun Bowl pits the
Maricopa County school with the best
record in the Western States Football
League against an out-of-state invite.
Kansas schools have made more than
their share of trips lately. Mesa and
Glendale have made a habit of it also.

Last year, good play by the opponents
and the injury bug brought Glendale to a
5-5 finish, but Mike Grossner’s squad
should bounce back. Still, the Gauchos
were one missed field goal from a bowl
game. “We should be strong on defense,
with nine returning players,” says
Grossner. “We will be young but talented
on offense.”

No doubt about it, GCC has three of
the better players in the region in defen-
sive end Adrian Watson (6-3, 245), line-
backer Steve Rangel (6-4, 240) and cor-
nerback Robert Canidate (5-8, 180),
brother of Heisman candidate Trung, a
running back at the University of Arizona.
Free safety Josh Pearson (5-11, 195), a
decathlon star in the spring, is a big time
hitter. Strong safety Seth McKinnon (6-0,
205) was the team’s second leading tack-
ler. Wideout TyJuan Swasey (6-1, 210), a
transfer from Scottsdale, was a prep star
at Phoenix Carl Hayden and could be a
standout. Frosh receiver Rashaun Ross (6-
0, 180) was the state 5A sprint champ
(10.54/21.04).

arizona football ‘99

More than 30 players return at
Eastern, where the Gila Monsters strug-
gled through a 3-7 campaign. As usual,
the skill positions look strong. Wideouts
Eric Moody and Jay Sharp caught more
than 50 passes each. Casey Faulkner (6-
4, 250) and Josh Necas (6-4, 235) are
good targets at tight end. Mini-back Trey
Alexander (5-6, 175) gained 593 yards
and scored six times. But the key position
will be quarterback, since all-region pick
Griffin Goodman moved to the Pac-10
and Arizona State.

No school in the ACCAC returns as
many lettermen as Scottsdale, where
Ken Giovando could greet as many as 47
in August. Among the group of incoming
frosh a quarterback needs to step for-
ward. That's a must. Both sides of the
line look solid. Tony Camp (6-3, 290) is
one of the region's best offensive line-
men. Ken Welch (6-8, 275) might be the
biggest tight end in junior college football.
Clint Elsworth (6-4, 260), Joe DiMarco
(6-0, 250) and Steve Sylvester (6-3, 245)
give the Artichokes (2-8) a strong defen-
sive front. Bryan Lindsay (6-1, 215) is a
solid linebacker. The secondary is tough,
with Brian Clark, Joe Pastore, George
Pastore and Reggie Neal set to go. All
four can fly. The running game rest on
the shoulders of Stephen Neal and Justin
Neilson, with Khalid Meals a speedy wide-
out. Nick Murphy handles the kicking.

Gary Cook, a former assistant at
Phoenix College, is now the Bears’ new
coach, replacing John Allen after a 1-9
finish. The once proud football power has
gone 5-33 over four years, so improve-
ment is the name of the game. The Bears
have good depth, especially at tight end.
“If we get major contribution from the
freshmen class, especially on the line and
at wide receiver, we'll be better,” claims
Cook. “We will throw the ball well.”

The passing game starts at quarter-
back, and Phoenix has a dandy, former
South Mountain all-stater Richard Lucero
(6-2, 195). The 1997 winner of the Fred
Enke Award, given to the state’s best high
school quarterback, has two studs at tight
end in Kevin McGann (6-3, 235) and
Scott Asai (6-4, 245), two potential D-1
prospects. Big Mike Harris (6-2, 325) will
anchor the Bears’ young line. The rest of
the offense will be filled with freshmen.
Phoenix looks sound at linebacker, with
Shane Johnson (6-2, 215) and Ryan West
(6-3, 245) ready to go. Ryan Bakke (6-2,
245) is set at defensive end. Robert Gray
and Jamarei Bryant, both with 4.5 speed,
start on the corners.

page 71

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1998 John Rattay, Tempe Desert Vista (jr) . Bill Mannion, Phoenix St. Mary's
1997 . Richard Lucero, South Mountain . Ken Johnson, Scottsdale Arcadia (jr)
1996 Todd Mortensen, Tempe se John Svob, Tucson Catalina
1995...... Ryan Kealy, Phoenix St. Mary’s George Mattingly, Scottsdale Arcadia
1994 Chris Snyder, Sunnyslope 4 Dave Grangaard, Phoenix Camelback
1993...... Jason Maas, Yuma 2 isty Tillman, Agua Fria
1992...... Jason Verdugo, Tucson Canyon del Oro 2 m Flood, Phoenix Brophy Prep
1991 Anthony Sanders, Tucson Santa Rita 1961 elby Bushong, Phoenix Washington
. Grady Benton, Mesa 1960, yary Deak, Scottsdale Arcadia
. Aaron Santini, Tucson Santa Rita 1959 iddie Bricker, Miami
. Bret Powers, Glendale Cactus 1958 ohn Power, Phoenix Camelback
. John Bonds, Phoenix St. Mary's 1957 iddie Wilson, Chandler
. Bobby Valdez, Tucson Sunnyside 1956 Carlos Rodriguez, Morenci
1985 Kent Kiefer, Tempe McClintock 1955 Jim Wolf, Yuma
1984...... Steve Belles, Phoenix St. Mary's 1954 Ralph Hunsaker, Mesa
1983...... John Walker, Tempe Marcos de Niza 1953 Clyde Nielson, North Phoenix (jr)
1982...... Rodney Peete, Tucson Sahuaro (jr) 1952 Pat Flood, Tucson
1981...... Steve Stallworth, Yuma 1951 Vaughn Patterson, North Phoenix (jr)
1980 Trent Hutchinson, South Mountain 1950 James Black, Phoenix Union
. Lloyd Coker, Phoenix Central 1949 Buster Madariaga, Round Valley
. Kevin Smith, Scottsda uaro (jr) 1948 Don Ahee, Tucson
. Mike Pagel, Phoenix Washington 1947 Dan Russell, Mesa
Greg Brady, Scottsdale Coronado
. Jim Krohn, Tucson Amphi
Mark Whipple, Phoenix Camelback
.. Rob Wilson, Scottsdale Coronado
.... Greg Hubbell, Phoenix Central
1971 Fred Mortensen, Tempe
1970 Fred Mortensen, Tempe (jr)
1969 Danny White, Mesa Westwood

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CONTENTS

10 Years Ago (1989)
McClintock Chargers .
Tempe Buffaloes

20 Years Ago (1979)
Amphitheater Panthers...
Santa Cruz Dust Devils....

30 Years Ago (1969)
Santa Cruz Dust Devils
Phoenix Central Bobcats

50 Years Ago (1949)
Chandler Wolves

= Srey *
Benny Malorre,

10 years ago (1989)

STERDAY’S HEROES

McClintock, Drew Simply the Best

Ten years ago this fall the 5A football
season belonged to Brian Drew and his
speedy band of McClintock Chargers. In
more ways than one.

The most important was the 5A state
championship, won by the Chargers, 42-
14 over defending state champ Mesa
Westwood. Exactly 16,352 fans, plus a
city-wide TV audience, watched a mis-
match.

Drew was the man of the hour. His
record-setting performance at tailback
and the Chargers’ staunch defense over-
whelmed the Warriors. The 5-9, 180-
pound senior - later the state player of
the year - rushed for a 5A title game
record 215 yards on 24 carries and
scored three touchdowns.

All of his scores came in the second
half, enabling him to break the state
record for TDs in a single season with 38.
The previous record (37) was set in 1965
by Art Malone, a legendary back from
Santa Cruz High in Eloy.

“It feels great,” said Drew, who fin-
ished the season with 1,668 yards on
239 carries. “I didn’t think I'd be able to
do it because we started off kind of slow.
In the second half, I loosened up a lot
more and the line blocked a lot better.”

Drew’s night wasn’t limited to offense.
He intercepted two passes as McClintock
(13-2) forced four turnovers, two inter-
ceptions and two fumbles. “It sure helps
to have guys like Drew,” McClintock
coach Karl Kiefer added. “He’s one of
our best backs ever, and we've had a lot
of great ones.”

“Brian Drew was the difference,”
agreed Westwood coach Jerry Loper,
whose Warriors (11-3) had beaten
Mountain View in the 5A finals on the
same field one year earlier. “Without him
or with another person in there, we might
have had a whole lot better chance of
winning. He made the big plays on both
sides of the ball. He was sensational.”

But McClintock wasn't all Brian Drew.
Its defense set the tone early, on the sec-
ond play from scrimmage. Westwood
quarterback Chris Gonzalez was clobbered
by defensive end Grady Stretz, and line-
backer Jason Kyle scooped up the loose
ball and ran 18 yards for a touchdown.
Kyle Bell’s extra point, one of 66 on the
season, was good. The game was less
than one minute old.

But it was the speed and talent of
McClintock at the skill positions which
doomed Westwood and a dozen other

page 74

Drew scores one of his three touchdowns as McClintock zapped Westwood
42-14 at Sun Devil Stadium (Arizona Republic photo).

foes. Quarterback Dan Moore, plus backs
Chris Colter, David Matthews and Robby
Wheaton were too much.

Overall, McClintock lost an early-sea-
son thriller to 4A champ Tempe, 25-24,
and a late-season one to Mesa, 28-27.
During the remaining games they looked
like one of the best teams in the country.
Ironically, the Chargers’ worst season
ever (2-8) was the year before. But the
injury bug played a big role in that slide,
knocking key players like Moore out for
the season.

The ‘89 champs scored 51 points on
Tucson Amphi, 46 and 35 against
Mountain View, 49 against Red

“We try and keep our
eleven best athletes on
the field at all times. A
lot of schools like to two-
platoon. That’s fine. But
when you play
McClintock, you face our
best athletes. Some of
our best kids play on the
kickoff team.”

Mountain, 62 on Marcos de Niza and 65
against Glendale Apollo in high scoring
affairs. They set a state 5A record by
totaling 5,444 yards and a school record
with 589 points. It was only the second
time in Arizona history that a school had
played 15 football games.

“This was the best season we had
since 1980,” concluded Kiefer, 210-70-3
at that point in his career. “We try to
keep our eleven best athletes on the field
at all times. A lot of schools like to two-
platoon. That’s fine. But when you play
McClintock you face our best athletes.
Some of our best kids play on the kickoff
team.”

It was Kiefer’s ‘80 club which knocked
out highly favored Tucson Sunnyside (a la
Fred Sims & David Adams) at Sun Devil
Stadium in the semifinals, then Phoenix
Trevor Browne one week later in the
finals. His 1977 squad, with quarterback
Rick Neuheisel, won the Chargers’ first
state crown, a 14-9 win over Phoenix
Washington.

Surprisingly, Kiefer would coach only
one more season in Chargerland. He
would leave after the 1990 campaign to
take over the job at Tempe’s newest
school, Mountain Pointe. He was
replaced by assistant Dennis Johnson,
today the Chargers’ head coach.

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THE ‘89 SEASON:

CHARGERS 51
CHARGERS 46
CHARGERS 24
CHARGERS 34
CHARGERS 49
CHARGERS 62
CHARGERS 27
CHARGERS 36
CHARGERS 19
CHARGERS 41
CHARGERS 27
PLAYOFFS:

Glendale Apollo 7

Mountain View 13

Tucson Amphi 8
Mountain View 8
Tempe Union 25 (L)
Mesa Westwood 21

Chandler 13
Mesa 28 (L)

CHARGERS 65
CHARGERS 35
CHARGERS 31
CHARGERS 42

YESTERDAY’S HEROES

10 years ago (1989)

Tempe’s Buffs Fit To Be Tied

Unfortunately for Tempe and Agua
Fria high schools, not a lot was accom-
plished in the 1989 Class 4A finals. The
game, played in Tempe at Sun Devil
Stadium, ended in a 10-10 draw.

In the first officially year for 4A com-
petition, Agua Fria (11-2-1), the defend-
ing state champs, and Tempe (13-1-1)
were declared co-champions. As the old
saying goes, “it was like kissing your sis-
ter.”

Today, title games go into overtime if
regular play ends in a tie. But not in ‘89.
Rules allowing for tie-breakers during reg-
ular season and playoff games existed, but
not for the finals. It was the first time in
30 years that a championship game
among big-school teams ended in a tie.
(The ‘59 large school finals, between
South Mountain and Yuma, ended 7-7.)

Entering the finals, the favorite was
Tempe, which made a brief appearance
during the season in USA TODAY’s
national poll. The Buffaloes, coached by
Jim Murphy, were loaded, one of the
most talented teams in the school’s histo-
ry. How talented? Good enough to beat
the state 5A champs in the same year.

Four Buffs landed on the first team 4A
all-state squad, versatile Dan-iel Taplin,
linebacker Jerome Moss, wideout Brian
Watkins and tackle Paul Northcutt.
Quarterback Lee Schrack passed for
1,975 yards. Moss, from a running back
position, ran for 1,223 yards. Jeff
McDonald was a terrific kicker, averaging
44.8 yards per punt, booting 47 extra
points and seven field goals. Their only
loss was the regular-season finale in
Scottsdale, 18-12 to Coronado. However,
they avenged that in the playoffs.

McDonald booted a 29-yard field goal
with 1:42 left in the game to tie it. “I
thought if we kicked the field goal and we
could hold them, we could drive and kick
another one,” said Murphy after the
game. “We've got a good kicker.”

Agua Fria coach Tom Wheatley dis-
agreed. “We've been playing for 14
weeks and they've been playing for 15
and I don't like ties,” he said. “But the
kids played hard and both teams deserved
to win.”

For Tempe, the game of the year
might have been in September, against
city rival McClintock. Both teams made
history.

Never before in Arizona had state
champions from different classes met dur-
ing the same year. Tempe won 25-24, in

page 76

BUFFALOES

2 =

During Tempe’s 25-24 win over McClintock, fullback Dan-iel Taplin looks for
running room on a sweep (Tribune photo).

spite of Brian Drew, the Chargers’ well
deserved player of the year. Drew, who
would go on to score a record 38 touch-
downs, returned the opening kickoff 94
yards for a touchdown. Actually,
McClintock returned two kickoffs for
scores and cashed in on a fumble for
another. Then the Chargers, error-free for
three quarters, fell apart. McDonald
kicked two field goals and the game’s
only extra point for the winners.

Veteran sports writer Skip Bryant cov-
ered the game for The Phoenix Gazette.
“T've seen a lot of high school games in
my time,” said Bryant afterwards. “Some
good and some bad. But that one ranks
right up there with one of the best I’ve
ever seen.”

Tempe’s win, played on their turf
before a packed house, prevented
McClintock coach Karl Kiefer from win-
ning his 200th game. Ironically, Kiefer

“I’ve seen a lot of high
school games in my time.
Some good and some
bad. But that one ranks
right up there with one of
the best I’ve ever seen.”

was once an all-state lineman for the
Buffs. He later was a team captain at
nearby Arizona State, where Tempe

coach Murphy also played.

Murphy and his players agreed it was a
game that will long be remembered. “We
talked about McClintock’s ability to break
the big play before the game,” he said
“The one thing we didn’t want to do was
give up big yardage on the reverse, let
them get the big pass play or let them
break a big play of any kind. They have
such tremendous speed.

“So we kicked off deep to start the
game and they ran it back. Then we
squib-kicked it, and they (Andrew
McCormick) run that back. But our defen-
sive coordinator, Jimmy Williams, came
up with a defense that gave them differ-
ent looks constantly. We felt we had to
keep them off-balance and we did a good
job of it.”

The game, one of the finest in Tempe
city history, reached a climax when
Schrack hit Moss on a 15-yard touc
down pass, setting up McDonald’s game-
winning kick.

Murphy’s assistants were Tim
McBurney, Curtis Cook, Bob Wakefield
and the late Jimmy Williams, himself a
former Buff, and one of the finest line-
backers ever to come out of the Tempe
Union School District.

TSOP s UNION
BUF EALO RS

ae. ps
y BEB.

= Be = oat 1 Ey

277553 fe “ron ~ Bean dlersas_
Saluting our ‘89 Class 4A State Champions!

Coach Jim Murphy & assistants Tim McBurney, Jimmy Williams, Curtis Cook & Bob Wakefield.
THE NEAR-PERFECT SEASON:

BUFFS 7
. . Tempe Marcos de Niza 0
Tempe soe pe School Tempe McClintock 24

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20 years ago (1979)

ESTERDAY’S HEROES

Amphi’s ‘Bone Smothers Mesa

“It was no contest. From the start of
the high school football season to the
end, it was all Amphi.”

- Bill Betterton
Arizona Daily Star
December, 1979

Jerry Loper jump started the program
in 1971. Vern Friedli took the Green
Machine and ran with it.

The program resides in Tucson, at
Amphitheater High, the second oldest
public school in the Old Pueblo.

When Loper, who would later coach at

Mesa Westwood, left after the Panthers
won the 1975 state crown, the school
hired Vern Friedli as its 11th head coach.
Amphi’s 23-22 win over Phoenix
Maryvale in Loper's last game was a
warning bell that the school had arrived.
But when Friedli and the Panthers

stuffed Mesa 27-0 in the 1979 finals, that

was proof. At Sun Devil Stadium,
Amphi’s wishbone ground the
Jackrabbits, minus a banged up Vai
Sikahema, into the turf. The state
champs defense was perfect. So was the
Panthers overall record (13-0). Amphi
sent nine booster busses to the game.

It shouldn't have been a surprise.
Quarterback Sam Molina returned to run
the ‘bone, along with five other offensive
starters. Amphi had enough firepower to
move the ball against any defense in the
state. Halfbacks Arlen Bethay and Joey
Canizales led the Panthers’ run-oriented
attack. Opening the holes on the line
were center Craig Geyer, tackle Neal
Hamilton, guards David Osteen and Tim
Jones, along with tight end Sky Moore.

Bethay, one of the smallest (5-9, 175)

backs in the city, gained over 1,500 yards

in Amphi’s balanced attack, and handled
the place kicking. Molina’s running and
slick ball handling was too much.

But defense wins championships, and
Amphi's was the best in the state. The
Panthers had loads of help, especially
with Ron Conway, Kurt Werner and
Jones in the lineup.

“We are disappointed in
the outcome, obviously.
But give Amphi credit.
Their defense just stuffed
us. It was the best we
faced all year.”

who’s No. 1 (Phoenix Gazette photo).

“We are disappointed in the outcome,
obviously,” said Mesa head coach Ben
Arredondo afterwards. “But give Amphi
credit. Their defense just stuffed us. It was
the best we faced all year.”

Bethay rushed 27 times for 148 yards
in the finals. Running mate Canizales
gained 106. “We just came out and ran
right at them,” claimed Bethay, who
scored twice. “I was running through the
biggest holes ever. This is the best line in
the state.”

“We did what we do best,” said the
43-year-old Friedli after the game. “We
stuck with the run and had great success
because we executed so well. And the
defense ... what else can you say about
our defense. It was unbelievable.”

This coming season is Friedli’s 24th at
Amphi. Since his arrival, the Panthers
have won 79% of their games. He is
215-56-1 at the school, 259-93-2 over-
all. Few coaches can match that, and few
schools have beaten Amphi.

Eo SSS

AMIUPTEUITPIRUBA TCBIR
PANTIRIERS

eo, ar 5 @, kg < % cr at

Saluting our ‘79 Class 5A state champions
on their 20th anniversary!
A PERFECT SEASON:

Tucson Rincon O

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Amphi High School Football

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ESTERDAY’S HEROES

20/30 years ago (1979/69)

Trampled by the Dust Devils

Eloy is located south of Casa Grande,
halfway between Phoenix and Tucson,
and is one of many small Arizona towns
flanking historic Interstate 10. Blink and
you're libel to miss it.

Unless you were a college football
coach between 1965 and 1990.

Eloy, population 5,000 (or less), origi-
nally known for its cotton and agricultural
products, became better known for its
high school football, almost overnight.

“The first coach we sent down there
was Don Baker (former ASU assistant),
said legendary Arizona State coach Frank
Kush years later. “He came back and
said, “Hell, there’s a back down there bet-
ter than anything we've seen in Phoenix
since we got here.”

The back was Art Malone. His year
was 1965, and when the dust had cleared
after the ‘65 football season, Santa Cruz
High had made a shambles of Arizona's
small school football ranks. Malone, along
with teammate Paul Ray Powell, would go
on to a stellar career at Arizona State,
and later the pros.

For the town of Eloy, it was just the
beginning. In the next 25 years, the
Devils would send more players into col-
lege football than any school its size in
the southwest United States. Four differ-
ent coaches wore seven state crowns.
Like 1965, the ‘69 Devils were
coached by Lonnie Foster. “You can’t win
if you don't have players,” admits Foster.
“We had some great athletes then. Better
than at Chandler, where I later coached.
In fact, better than most of the bigger
schools we played against.”

In 1969, the high profile players were
Ben Malone (Art's brother) and Larry
Shorty, two future college stars of their
own. In less than 10 games, Malone
scored 30 touchdowns and rushed for
1,775 yards. Nobody could cover the
pass combination of Larry Foote to
Shorty. David Cade was the other back.
The Devils beat Canyon del Oro in their
opener and were off to the races.

In November they beat bitter rival
Coolidge 28-12, before an estimated
5,000 fans in Eloy - almost the popula-
tion of the town. In the 3A semifinals,
Malone gained 207 yards and scored five
touchdowns during a 62-12 blowout of
Snowflake. Cade scored on an 84-yard
sprint and Dickie Gates kicked six extra
points. Malone carried the ball 28 times
in the state finals, a 22-13 win over Ajo.

“It does not take bright lights and busy

page 80

In less than 10 games, Ben Malone scored 30 touchdowns and rushed for

1,775 yards.

streets of a large city to call attention to
high school football talent, especially the
type exhibited by Ben Malone of Santa
Cruz High in Eloy,” wrote Fred Treadwell
of The Arizona Daily Star. “Malone
should serve as an inspiration to all prep-
sters in the smaller schools in Arizona.”
Ten years later the Devils were
coached by Ed Jones. For just one year.
At Eloy, that’s all it took. Fresh off a wild
40-36 win over Willcox in the ‘78 finals,
the ‘79 Dust Devils were primed for a

“It does not take bright
lights and busy streets of
a large city to call atten-
tion to high school foot-
ball talent, especially the
type exhibited by Ben
Malone of Santa Cruz
High in Eloy.”

repeat. Thirteen weeks after football
ed they were perfect. The results were
the same, only the names changed. This
time the box score read names like M
Cade, Larry Strange, James Malone and
Eddie Chase.

They guided an Ed Jones-coached club
through an unbeaten campaign and the
state title, a hard fought 13-7 battle with
Kearney Ray. Their stiffest competition
came from Coolidge, a 22-21 Dust Devil
win. Cade, the state player of the year,
was a prep All-American in two sports,
football and track. His time in the high
hurdles (13.69) is an all-time Arizona best
to this date. He finished his college career
as an All-American at Texas, and was the
No. 1 draft pick of the San Diego
Chargers.

But times change. Within 10 years
enrollment dropped to 440 students, and
only 22 varsity football players. And for
the first time in years, Santa Cruz played
a football season without a Cade or a
Malone on the roster.

They had moved on.

SANTA CROZ
DUST IDIEVIULS

; Saluting our ‘79 Class 3A State Champions!

Head coach Ed Jones, assistant Steve Combs & the Devils were perfect!

THE ‘69 DUST DEVILS: THE ‘79 DUST DEVILS:

(12-0-0)
Devils 19 ..........., Canyon del Oro 8
DEVAS. SO tects eumontan ts Miami 14
DevilsSO wrencatervtt es Nogales 0
DeValS SOc asrstoosors ine Kearny Ray 22
Dewils 34ers ain San Manuel 7

Sader Ea ae aaa Willcox 2

Buckeye 14

Coolidge 21

Apache Junction 6
PLAYOFFS

Apache Junction 0
Kearny Ray 7

30 years ago (1969)

ESTERDAY’S HEROES

Central Bursts Knights’ Bubble

With the audacity of a flea attacking
an elephant, Central jumped St. Mary’s
last night and came away from the fray
with a 14-7 victory.

-Hardy Price
The Arizona Republic
December, 1969

Ed Doherty, coach of the two-time
defending state champs, was pacing the
sidelines at Sun Devil Stadium. His
unbeaten and heavily favored Knights,
with their gold-clad pants, were favored
over Central High in this game, the 1969
state finals.

“That's a very good football team over
there,” he said, almost to himself, but
loud enough for several members of the
press to hear.

That statement itself was amazing.
Central High? The same Central that not
too long ago lost 22 games in a row?
And it could have been worse. They
might have lost more. In 1963, near the
end of the slide, a late November game
with Tucson Pueblo was cancelled
because President Kennedy was shot.

But this was before Ray Laing showed
up. Good times don't last forever, and
neither do the bad. Just ask the Bobcat
fans. Thousands of them. Before and
since.

On this date, before a state high
school record crowd of 20,800, Central
beat Doherty and his Knights 14-7 for its
first ever football title. The win was the
first over St. Mary’s by any school in 25
games, and only the second in 37 con-
tests. The Knights were bidding for their
third straight state title.

Just another team through most of the
season despite its unbeaten record,
Laing’s ‘Cats were upset-mined from the
start. Although St. Mary’s scored first, on
a quarterback sneak by Tom Baker,
Central looked like a winner early.

The Bobcats were led by senior quar-
terback Jerry Davis, who figured in both
touchdowns and a key two-point conver-
sion. He rushed for 66 yards on 15 car-
ries, and bulled his way for several crucial
first downs.

The Knights’ lead was cut short when
Davis ran 10 yards for a second quarter
score. Then, midway through the third
stanza, Davis connected on an 8-yard
scoring strike to Bud Shroyer. The two
teamed up for a two-point conversion for
the final 14-7 margin.

Central's defense, led by Bud Roberts

page 82

Jerry Davis (15) follows all-state guard Joe Cattaneo on a sweep at Sun Devil
Stadium. St. Mary’s Tim Killeen (64) is about to be run over.

who blocked five punts during the sea-
son), Dan Doyle and Bob Jones, bottled
up the potent St. Mary's offense, led by
sophomore sensation Baker. Meanwhile,
he Bobcat offense was able to wear
down the Knights behind the blocking of
Joe Cattaneo and Terry Mager, and the
punishing running of fullback Steve
Cohen.

Davis, who would later play for the
University of Arizona, completed 105 of
207 passes for 1,518 yards and 17
touchdowns in leading Central to the
crown. He rushed for 472 yards.

The fierce blocking of Cattaneo, who
weighed only 175 pounds, made it easier
for Davis and Cohen to run the ball. With
Cattaneo as the key blocker, Central’s
offense was able to outplay every defen-
sive line it faced.

“We’re a team with three
head coaches, and as
long as I’m here that’s
the way we'll operate. I’m
pleased beyond words.
There was no bitterness
in the championship
game. It was very clean
and tough and had to be
one of the best I’ve
seen.”

The victory was indeed a major rever-
sal of the early years of Central High frus-
ration. Just two years earlier the ‘Cats
were 2-8, not to mention that 23-game
span in which they were 0-22-1. It had to
have brought smiles to many former play-
ers, including all-stars like Dave Areghini.
Alan Moutran, Tom Fife, Ed Gallardo, Jay
D. Schlueter and Mike Hogan, all-state
performers during hard times.

Even if Central had lost to the Knights
in the finals, Ray Laing would have been
everybody's pick as coach of the year. But
he took care of that on the field. As
usual, he passed on the credit for
Central's success to others.

“We're a team with three head coach-
es, and as long as I'm here that’s the
we'll operate,” he told the Phoenix P:
Box Association one week later. “Here
are the real reasons why we win,” he
insisted, introducing assistants George
Endres and Dan Stone.

“I'm pleased beyond words,” he
added. “There was no bitterness in the
championship game. It was very clean
and tough and had to be one of the best
I've seen. We're just glad to be state
champions. Even if it never happens
again.”

But it would.

After back-to-back state championship
by Tucson High, Central would regain the
throne, when Laing-coached Bobcats beat
next door neighbor Brophy Prep in the
1972 finals, 21-0.

‘69 CENTIRAIL
ANGIE BOBCATS

76 ae é
eae We @ e525.
= 9) oF ‘8 57449.

: ey 20s F

Saluting the State Champions 30 Years Later...

..Head Coach Ray Laing and assistants George Endres and Dan Stone
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“It’s Great to be a Bobcat!”

YESTERDAY’S HEROES

50 years ago (1949)

Chandler’s Wolf Pack Was Perfect

dust before the birth of the Class 4A
Conference, when the Chandler Wolves

and the Tempe Buffaloes squared off each

season, most games carried no more
weight than any other East Valley League
clash.

But it didn’t used to be that way. In
the 1940s and ‘50s, the annual matchup
allowed each team the opportunity to
redeem its season, if necessary.

“That was the game of the year,” for-
mer Tempe coach John Zucco once said.
“It was our Thanksgiving game, like the
Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.
That's when we played, also. It could
make or break your season if you beat
Chandler. That was it.”

The rivalry started in 1925, when the
teams would travel on a truck bed and
play the game on Thanksgiving Day.
Ironically, the first contest between the
schools ended in a tie.

When the two schools went different
ways, because of East Valley growth and
declining enrollment at Tempe, they left
behind some memorable games. In 1948,
the Chandler Arizonan, a weekly news-
paper distributed on Friday, ran the game
story on the front page, even thought the
contest, a 13-13 tie, was played a week
earlier.

The biggest game in the rivalry was
played one year later, when it featured
two undefeated teams fighting for the
right to be called state champs. The
game, played before an estimated crowd
of 6,000 fans at Goodwin Stadium, on
the campus at Arizona State, was to
showcase for the last time Chandler half-
back Bob Tarwater. But the Wolves ace
went out with a shoulder injury in the sec-
ond period.

“Tt wasn't from a hard it, like you'd
think,” recalls Tarwater, a retired dairy
farmer who still lives in Chandler. “I fell
and landed wrong. It was dislocated.”
Everett Worthington, a junior fullback,
and Art Odom picked up the slack. They
showed their colors with key runs all
night, and Odom scored twice in a 14-7
season ending triumph. The Wolves’
defense muffled Tempe’s Marvin Williams
and Chandler was declared mythical Class
B (now 3A) champs for 1949.

The Wolves coach was Clarence
Skousen, who piloted Chandler through
several successful seasons. Ken Knox was
his assistant. Following the season
Skousen was honored by the Arizona
Coaches Association as the state’s top

page 84

Tarwater, the Wolves’ big gun, scored 20 touchdowns for the state champs, but
was knocked out of the Tempe game with a shoulder injury.

mentor. Two Wolves, Tarwater and guard
David Hampshire, earned first team
recognition on the Super All-State team.

“We had a lot of fine athletes in the
school then,” recalls the 93-year-old
Skousen from his Chandler home. “They
were good in other sports, too. Not just
football.”

Skousen, who played on Chandler's
first football team in 1923, came back to
the school in 1939 after fielding good
teams in Coolidge and Thatcher. By
1941, the Wolves had become a state
power. But midway through the 1942
season he joined the Navy, leaving behind
a team that lost only one game. Bob Orr
and Russell Goddard filled in for Skousen
during the war.

But it was the ‘49 Wolf Pack which
topped all in Chandler’s history, going

“It was the game of
the year. It was our
Thanksgiving game,
like the Detroit Lions
and the Dallas
Cowboys. It could make
or break your season if
vou beat Chandler.”

undefeated and amassing 358 points in
10 games. The key player was Tarwater.
a stocky, hard running back who
20 touchdowns - four on kick returns
Besides Hampshire, tackle Floyd
Johnson, end Louis Tarbart, end Rudy
Serrano and Worthington were the ker
players. Andy Carrillo booted 34 ex
points.

Tarwater, who continued his pla,
days at nearby Arizona State, tipped t
scales at 185 pound and was a fo
varsity player. He was known throuc
the state as a dangerous broken fiel
ner. Hampshire, a demon on bot!
and defense, ranks among the best lin
men ever to don a CHS uniform. He
used his 240 pounds to good advantage
in blocking and tackling, and won three
varsity letters.

In October, Chandler fans knew the
Wolves were for real after a 38-21 win
over Casa Grande’s explosive Cougars
The wild, see-saw game featured fleet
backs and electrifying plays, especially
from Chandler.

Worthington scored on a 75-yard
dash, Tarwater went 80 yards on a punt
return and Tarbart sprinted 30 with a
pass interception.

The Wolves were on their way to
becoming the most historic football team
in Chandler’s history.

Saluting the 1949

Chandler Wolves
Undefeated State Champions!

“We Salute You on Your 50th Anniversary!”

With Arizona Coach of the Year Clarence Skousen, and all-state players
Bob Tarwater & Dave Hampshire, the Wolves were perfect!

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